Will Rogers discusses what Zach Arnett’s transition to head coach has looked like

Will Rogers thrived under the tutelage of Mike Leach and in the Air Raid offense at Mississippi State. But after Leach’s sudden passing in December, Zach Arnett is taking over as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator — and he’s already making a strong impression on his quarterback.

Rogers spoke highly of Arnett’s transition to head coach as spring practice got underway. His mentality is what stands out to Rogers, who hopes it rubs off on the rest of the roster.

“He’s done a really good job,” Rogers said. “He’s kind of brought that same mojo as a defensive coordinator, kind of a fiery guy that really gets after it and really coaches hard. I think if our whole team can have that attitude, we’re going to be a really tough team to beat.”

With Arnett’s promotion from defensive coordinator, Mississippi State brought in former Appalachian State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay to the role. He’ll work closely with Rogers, who’s coming off an impressive 2022 season with 3,974 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior. Mississippi State’s spring game is set for April 15.

Greg McElroy previews changes in Mississippi State’s offense in 2023

Things will be markedly different for Mississippi State football in 2023, namely with new head coach Zach Arnett taking over after Mike Leach passed away in December. And with Arnett’s promotion from within, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is curious to see what changes on the offensive side of the ball.

Leach rose to prominence by deploying the Air Raid to an extreme, but McElroy expects a departure from that with the hiring of Appalachian State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay to the same role in Starkville. With a new head coach and an outside voice taking over the offense, things are bound to be different.

“But, when you made the decision to go get Kevin Barbay from Appalachian State, it proves that the direction they’re going to go is going to be off-tackle stretch zone, as opposed to the drop back, short passing attack that Will Rogers and company used so successfully the last couple years,” McElroy said on a recent episode of the “Always College Football” podcast. “You’re going to say ‘Successfully?’ The offense was pretty dang efficient for the most part.

“Now, you saw them also start to lean a little bit more on the run last year. I don’t think I ever remembered seeing a Mike Leach-led team running the ball as often as they did last year. Well know those run numbers, those run opportunities are going to double, maybe triple under Kevin Barbay.”