Reports: Ex-Mississippi State coach Zach Arnett joins Ole Miss

Field Level Media|published: Wed 6th March, 13:08 2024

Oct 7, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Zach Arnett looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. credits: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss is hiring former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett as a defensive analyst, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

Arnett, 37, was named head coach of the Bulldogs in December 2022 following the death of Mike Leach. He was fired on Nov. 13 with two games remaining in the season and a 4-6 record.

Before his promotion, Arnett was the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State for three seasons. He began his coaching career at San Diego State in 2011.

Ole Miss is a rising program in the Southeastern Conference and landed the No. 1 transfer class in 2024, including five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen from Texas A&M. Lane Kiffin's team finished 11-2 (6-2 SEC) in 2023 and is 29-10 over the past three seasons.

—Field Level Media