STARKVILLE — Mississippi State has its next defensive coordinator.
Sources confirmed to The Dispatch Wednesday that former San Diego State assistant Zach Arnett was finalizing a deal to become MSU’s new defensive coordinator under first year head coach Mike Leach. MSU Athletics confirmed Arnett’s hiring as the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wednesday afternoon.
“Zach is one of the brightest defensive coaches in all of college football,” Leach said in a news release. “Having been mentored by Rocky Long during his successful time at San Diego State, Zach understands what it takes to build and run an elite defense. We are excited to welcome Zach, Emily, Case and Collins to Starkville.”
Arnett — who was named the new defensive coordinator at Syracuse Jan. 11 — will now leave upstate New York for Starkville. Prior to his brief stint with the Orange, he spent nine seasons at San Diego State where he served as a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach among other roles.
Under Arnett’s watch, the Aztec defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense, scoring defense, interceptions, first downs allowed, total defense, passing efficiency defense and turnovers gained in 2019.
An Albuquerque, New Mexico native, he played linebacker at the University of New Mexico where he notched 200 career tackles and tied for the FBS lead with six forced fumbles in 2008.
“I couldn’t pass up the chance to join an SEC program like Mississippi State,” Arnett said in a news release. “I am grateful to Coach Leach and (Director of Athletics) John Cohen for the opportunity to be a part of this first-class institution. Mississippi State has a history of great defenses. The staff Coach Leach has assembled is tremendous, and I can’t wait to get down there and get to work.”
Arnett takes over an MSU unit that must cope with the losses of safety Brian Cole, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and cornerback Cameron Dantzler’s departures to the NFL as well as the graduation of starting defensive end Chauncey Rivers and defensive lineman Lee Autry.
Senior linebacker Erroll Thompson and safety Marcus Murphy should anchor the Bulldog defense in 2020 and offer plenty of leadership on that side of the ball. Cornerbacks Tyler Williams, Martin Emerson and Jarrian Jones will also aid in the rebuilding process as capable defenders in the secondary.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
