Mississippi State head coach candidates to 'ponder,' per Ross Dellenger

With Zach Arnett out as Mississippi State head coach, Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger detailed a list of candidates who could take over.

Arnett took over after the untimely passing of Mike Leach. While he kept the program afloat, the school opted for a change.

As far as who could take over, Dellenger provided an interesting list.

“Some names to ponder for the opening at Mississippi State: Jamey Chadwell, Lance Leipold, Willie Fritz, Tom Herman, Jon Sumrall, Jeff Lebby and Rhett Lashlee,” Dellenger wrote on Twitter.

The now-former Bulldogs head coach lead the program to a bowl victory last season, where the team honored Leach on their way to a win in the ReliaQuest Bowl over Illinois. However, his first full season on the job hadn’t been going as swimmingly.

While Mississippi State started their season 2-0, with a victory that looks better and better each week over the Arizona Wildcats, SEC play hasn’t been kind to Arnett’s team. Their lone conference win came in a 7-3 slugfest against the disappointing Arkansas Razorbacks, and Mississippi State hasn’t been competitive in other games.

Over the last two weeks, Mississippi State has been outscored 75-13, a 24-3 loss to Kentucky followed by a 51-10 drubbing at the hands of Texas A&M. Ironically, the Aggies parted ways with Jimbo Fisher following the game, as well.

“As part of my thorough and continued evaluation, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to move our football program forward and position it for the highest level of success,” Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said, via a press release. “I have the utmost respect for Zach Arnett and am incredibly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our football program. However, the progress and on-field results have not been of the standard required for Mississippi State to achieve the level of success we need and expect.

“Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December. 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.
 
“Starkville is a special place with incredible people. Our football program is an NFL factory in a recruiting footprint that is second to none and has previously shown it can compete at the highest level in the SEC. With Mississippi State’s history, tradition, devoted fan base and facilities, while competing in the nation’s best conference, I firmly believe we will attract someone who will bring a winning culture on-and-off the field and lead our program to new heights in today’s era of college football.”

Stephen Samra contributed to this report