After Saturday’s 51-10 road loss to Texas A&M, Mississippi State's higher-ups had seen enough. They let go of head coach Zach Arnett early Monday morning. Mississippi State (4-6) has dropped three consecutive games and has been outscored, 102-26, during that span.
Ironically, Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher was relieved of his duties as well on Sunday.
Back in December, then-defensive coordinator Arnett took over the football program after the unexpected death of head coach Mike Leach. Arnett helped lead Mississippi State to an emotional, come-from-behind, 19-10 victory over Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2 in his first game as head coach. There is no Mississippi sports betting for Aggies backers, but fans were optimistic for the future.
Arnett signed a four-year contract.
Senior offensive analyst Greg Knox - who has 35 years of coaching experience, including 28 years in the SEC - will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Last week we took a look at how Arnett compared to previous first-year coaches at Mississippi State.
“Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December,” Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon said in Monday’s announcement. "He provided the football program much-needed leadership and stability during a tragic time. There is no question that he has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes during his time here. We are grateful for his contributions to Mississippi State and wish him the very best both personally and professionally.”
With two games remaining, the Bulldogs still have a shot at being bowl eligible. They will host Southern Mississippi (3-7) Saturday and host rival Mississippi in the Battle for the Golden Egg on Thanksgiving at 7:30 p.m. Last year, Mississippi State edged Mississippi on the road, 24-22. Ole Miss leads the all-time series, 66-46-6.
With National Signing Day set for Feb. 7, and with a new direction ahead for the program, BetMississippi.com came up with hypothetical odds on the next coach at Mississippi State.
Hypothetical Odds for Next Miss. St. Coach
Liberty Coach with Best Odds
Three current head coaches top the list with Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell leading the way at +500 (16.7%). Chadwell led Coastal Carolina’s football program from 2017-22. Troy head coach Jon Sumral and Tulane head coach Willie Fritz are tied for the second-best choices at +700 (12.5%).
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and former Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen are next, all at +1000 (9.1%).
Other potential candidates not on the list: +225 (30.8%).
