Arnett Led Bulldogs To 6 7 Record In 2023

Mississippi State Fires Zach Arnett as Head Football Coach

Arnett Led Bulldogs to 6-7 Record in 2023

Former Defensive Coordinator Had Been Head Coach for Less Than a Year

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon announced Monday that Zach Arnett has been relieved of his duties as head football coach. Arnett, who was named head coach in December 2022, led the Bulldogs to a 6-7 record in 2023.

Selmon said in a statement that the decision to fire Arnett was "not made lightly." He said that he met with Arnett on Monday morning and informed him of the decision.

"I want to thank Zach for his hard work and dedication to Mississippi State," Selmon said. "He is a good man and a great coach, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Arnett was a defensive coordinator at Mississippi State for seven seasons before being promoted to head coach. He was considered a rising star in the coaching ranks, but his tenure as head coach was marred by injuries and a lack of consistency.

Mississippi State finished the 2023 season with a 6-7 record, including a 3-5 mark in SEC play. The Bulldogs lost their final three games of the season, including a 24-22 loss to rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl.

Arnett's firing comes as a surprise to many, as he was considered a good recruiter and had a strong relationship with his players.