College football 2023 coaching buzz - Hot seats, candidates - ESPN (archive.ph)
Mississippi State: After Mike Leach's sudden death in December, Mississippi State made the reasonable choice to promote defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach. But Arnett, who had never been a head coach, received a very moderate contract -- $3 million annually, the lowest salary in the SEC, which is 50% guaranteed if the school makes a change. His deal is limited to four years by Mississippi State law. "By SEC standards, it wouldn't cost them really anything [to make a change]," a coaching agent said. The team is 3-3 overall but 0-3 in SEC play, although two losses are to Alabama and LSU. Mississippi State can make a change without a crippling financial penalty, and athletic director Zac Selmon, hired weeks after Arnett was promoted, would be able to choose his own guy. The stretch after an open week is significant, as Mississippi State visits Arkansas and then hosts Auburn.
Mississippi State: After Mike Leach's sudden death in December, Mississippi State made the reasonable choice to promote defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach. But Arnett, who had never been a head coach, received a very moderate contract -- $3 million annually, the lowest salary in the SEC, which is 50% guaranteed if the school makes a change. His deal is limited to four years by Mississippi State law. "By SEC standards, it wouldn't cost them really anything [to make a change]," a coaching agent said. The team is 3-3 overall but 0-3 in SEC play, although two losses are to Alabama and LSU. Mississippi State can make a change without a crippling financial penalty, and athletic director Zac Selmon, hired weeks after Arnett was promoted, would be able to choose his own guy. The stretch after an open week is significant, as Mississippi State visits Arkansas and then hosts Auburn.
