Football November 13, 2023
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STARKVILLE – Mississippi State athletics director Zac Selmon announced Monday that Zach Arnett has been relieved of his duties as head football coach, effective immediately.
Selmon will hold a CT press conference at noon on Monday.
A national search is underway for the Bulldogs’ next head coach. MSU senior offensive analyst Greg Knox, who has 35 years of coaching experience, including 28 years in the Southeastern Conference, will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the 2023 season. Knox is in his second stint at MSU and previously served as the Bulldogs’ interim coach at the 2017 TaxSlayer Bowl, where he led the team to a 31-27 victory over Louisville.
“As part of my thorough and ongoing evaluation, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to advance our football program and position it for the greatest possible success,” Selmon said. “I have the utmost respect for Zach Arnett and am incredibly grateful for the efforts he has made in leading our football program. However, the progress and results on the field did not meet the standard that Mississippi State needed and expected to be successful.
“Zach faced an unprecedented and challenging situation last December. He has provided the football program with much-needed leadership and stability during a tragic time. There is no doubt that he has had 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 all the best both personally and professionally.
“Starkville is a special place with incredible people. Our football program is an NFL factory with a recruiting presence that is second to none and has previously shown it can compete at the highest level in the SEC. With the history, tradition and loyal fan of Mississippi State.” As we compete in the best conference in the country, I have full confidence that we will attract someone who will bring a culture of success on and off the field and lead our program in the today’s era of college football to new heights.”
Mark E. Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, said Selmon will effectively lead the search process. “When Zac Selmon was hired following the death of Coach Leach, one of his attributes was the ability to effectively identify and recruit talent,” Keenum said. “I am confident that Zac will quickly find a new leader for our football program who will energize our team, our students and our loyal and enthusiastic fan base.”
“I would like to sincerely thank Zach Arnett for his hard work and service to the university and our football program. I will forever be grateful to Zach for his dedication after the untimely death of head coach Mike Leach. We asked him in those tough situations to lead our team, protect our top-25 recruiting class and lead us to a ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Illinois. Zach has accomplished these things and our fans should respect and appreciate him for this tremendous service to MSU. From all of us at Mississippi State I wish Zach and his wonderful family all the best. I know he will continue to enjoy an outstanding coaching career.
Arnett was named the Bulldogs’ 35th head coach on December 15, 2022, following the tragic death of then-head coach Mike Leach. He led the Bulldogs to a 19-10 victory over Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 2, 2023. The Bulldogs had a 5-6 record during Arnett’s tenure, including a 4-6 record this season.