Mississippi State hires DC Zach Arnett to replace Leach
Mississippi State cornerback Alexander Shaw (20) hoists the Egg Bowl trophy amid teammates following an NCAA college football game win over Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Rogelio V. Solis]
No. 24 Mississippi State is promoting defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach to replace Mike Leach, who died suddenly of a heart condition earlier this week. The hiring was announced Thursday. A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that Mississippi State was working to finalize a four-year contract with the 36-year-old Arnett. Leach died Monday night at the age of 61. Arnett has been Leach’s defensive coordinator since he took the head coaching job at Mississippi State in 2020.
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Mississippi State running back Jo'quavious Marks (7) follows the block of offensive lineman Cole Smith (57) for a 1-yard touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Rogelio V. Solis