Mississippi State, Zach Arnett announce return of defensive line coach David Turner to Bulldogs' coaching staff

The Mississippi State Bulldogs and head coach Zach Arnett have been busy assembling their new coaching staff during the past few weeks under difficult circumstances. On Wednesday afternoon, the Bulldogs’ head coach announced the addition of a veteran coaching staff member who knows Starkville and the SEC extremely well. He announced that he’s bringing back David Turner as Mississippi State’s defensive line coach, the school announced in an official press release. Turner will be beginning his third coaching stint with the Bulldogs’ staff–he coached there from 2007-2009, 2013-2015, and now.

Turner spent last season as Georgia Tech’s assistant head coach and their defensive run game coordinator. He’s got a very extensive resume that includes a wide variety of stops across the college football coaching landscape: the Florida Gators (2019-20201), the Texas A&M Aggies (2016-2017), the Kentucky Wildcats (2010-2012), the Alabama Crimson Tide (2006), Vanderbilt (2002-2005), Minnesota (2001), the Virginia Cavaliers (1997-2000), N.C. State (1995-1996), and the Kentucky Wildcats (1993-1994).

Zach Arnett announces addition of David Turner to his staff

Arnett was excited to announce the addition of Turner to his coaching staff on Wednesday afternoon. “We’re happy to welcome David Turner back to the Mississippi State Family,” Arnett said. “When you tune in to the NFL on Sundays, you will see the best defensive linemen in the league who were recruited, signed and developed by Coach Turner. Having spent two decades in the SEC, he understands what it takes to compete at the line of scrimmage in this conference. His experience, reputation and proven track record coaching some of the most dominant defensive lines in the country will make him a huge asset for our players and staff.”

Turner has indeed churned out some of the nation’s top defensive line prospects under his watch–coaching 15 NFL Draft picks during his 37-year career in the college football coaching ranks. He coached former Mississippi State legends such as Chris Jones, Fletcher Cox, and Preston Smith during his previous coaching stints in Starkville.