Zach Arnett Fired as HC by Mississippi State After 10 Games Replacing Mike Leach

Mississippi State announced Monday it fired head football coach Zach Arnett.

The move comes two days after the Bulldogs suffered a 51-10 defeat to Texas A&M that dropped them to 4-6 on the season.

Arnett took over as head coach in December following the unexpected death of Mike Leach, signing a four-year contract.

"Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December," athletic director Zac Selmon said. "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."

Given the situation he inherited, firing Arnett before he completed a full season is undoubtedly harsh. The length of his contract certainly seemed to indicate Mississippi State thought he could be a long-term solution.

But the Bulldogs' performances did him few favors. They're 1-6 in SEC play and they're averaging 266.7 yards per game on offense during their current three-game losing streak.

On Nov. 5, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman also reported Arnett was "working for an athletic director who didn't hire him and who I hear could be in the market to hire his own guy."

By moving on from Arnett now, Mississippi State is giving itself plenty of time to evaluate the coaching landscape before prospective candidates become available at the end of the year. Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger speculated on some who could be in play:

Some things are clearly working against the Bulldogs. They aren't a premier program and their path in the SEC will only get more difficult with Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference. A road trip to Austin to play the Longhorns is in store for 2024.

But Dan Mullen turned Mississippi State into a consistent winner, and Leach guided the team to a 9-4 record and the No. 22 position in the final College Football Playoff ranking in 2022.

Expectations are also reasonably realistic in Starkville. Even with the expanded playoff, the fanbase won't be demanding the Bulldogs earn a top-12 finish every single season.

Selmon should have some worthwhile options from whom to choose when the coaching search fully kicks into gear.