Zach Arnett opens up about past week, what he learned from Mike Leach

No program has gone through what Mississippi State is dealing with at the moment. Mike Leach tragically passed away as an active head coach, leaving them with heartbreak and without a leader for the program. Zach Arnett has quickly stepped in, helping everyone go through the process and keep the ship sailing.

Arnett was asked to describe the past week for the Bulldogs and came up with “unique.” He jokingly admitted the vocabulary is not as wide as Leach’s and took some time to praise him. As we all know, there will never be another Mike Leach.

“It’s been a unique week, to say the least,” Arnett said. “I wish I had Coach Leach’s vocabulary but I haven’t quite figured out the quite adjective to describe it. Obviously, tragic loss of a tremendous man. When it comes to football, should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”

Mississippi State still has a bowl game to play but has another week or so to prepare. Jan. 2 is the scheduled date, as practice continues on through the Holiday season in Starkville.

Arnett thinks getting back on the field and playing in memory of Leach will help his team. Going through everything together is how Mississippi State will ultimately heal.

“We have tremendous young men in this program. So, I think they’re excited for the opportunity to get to go play one more game for Coach Leach, finish this season out, and kind of get back to some normalcy. Having them back in practice, we have practice later today in fact.

“They had good energy and spirit about them. It’s been fun to get around each other and go through this together because that’s what family is for.”

Zach Arnett leaning on teachings of Mike Leach

Arnett has been with Mississippi State for three years, working as the defensive coordinator. Even though Leach is an offensive guy, there was still a lot to be learned by the new head coach. The person and even personality Leach was could be an experience.

Those lessons have been what Arnett has leaned on in this short week. Between practice, the NCAA transfer portal, and National Signing Day, it’s been a busy beginning.

“You never know how precious time is but these three short years under Coach Leach, there’s a wealth of knowledge that has been passed on to all of us coaches,” Arnett said. “And I’m leaning on heavily right now… It hits home with me with how blessed I have been in my professional career. I’m leaning heavily on (his) knowledge and wisdom.”