Mississippi State gives Zach Arnett four-year, $12 million contract as head coach

It’s been an unimaginably tough last week for Mississippi State following the passing of Mike Leach, but the Bulldogs are now looking towards former defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to lead their team through the tough time.

The Bulldogs have made it official with Arnett, announcing that he’s signed a four-year, $12 million contract to be Mississippi State’s next head coach.

“Zach Arnett, a proven leader for the Mississippi State football program throughout his tenure in Starkville, has been named the Bulldogs’ 35^th head football coach, interim Director of Athletics Bracky Brett and President Mark Keenum announced on Thursday morning,” wrote Mississippi State.

“… Arnett agreed to a four-year contract – the maximum length allowed under Mississippi’s state law – that will pay $3 million annually, plus performance-based incentives.”

In the press release, MSU President Mark E. Keenum stated that he has “tremendous confidence” in Arnett to continue Leach’s vision for the program.

“Our football program has dealt with a stunning blow at the untimely passing of Coach Mike Leach,” said Keenum, per the press release. “It is imperative that we bring stability and continuity to our team and our coaching staff as we move forward from this tragic event.

“I have tremendous confidence in Zach Arnett’s leadership and believe he is uniquely positioned to continue the progress Coach Leach brought to our program. He brings great drive and intensity to the task.”

Of course, Arnett is honored to have been chosen as the team’s next coach, following in the footsteps of a man he respected so much.

“I’m honored that Bracky Brett and Dr. Keenum have the faith in me to lead our program,” Arnett said, via Mississippi State. “This is an extremely challenging time for both me and everyone associated with Mississippi State football.

“No one can ever replace Coach Leach and the impact he had on MSU and all of college football. This team is full of strong, resilient young men and we are committed to continuing to build on the foundation Coach Leach laid and continue to honor his legacy.”

It won’t be easy for Zach Arnett, but Mike Leach had all the confidence in him, and now Mississippi State as a whole does, as well.