Mississippi State has dismissed first-year head coach Zach Arnett, sources told FootballScoop Monday morning.
A former defensive coordinator who had been viewed as a rising coaching star, Arnett was thrust into the head coach's role at State late last year after the tragic death of Mike Leach.
On Saturday, Arnett's Bulldogs lost 51-10 to Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M.
On Sunday, A&M officials fired Fisher.
Today, State officials are making the same move within their program.
Arnett, sources told FootballScoop, is owed less than $5 million on his buyout - believed to be approximately $4.75 million but the pact does contain offset language, which could reduce the amount Arnett is owed by State if Arnett finds another full-time, on-field coaching position.
A former New Mexico linebacker, Arnett honed his defensive coaching approach working under Rocky Long.
After the 2019 season, Arnett made the leap from his role as San Diego State's defensive coordinator to join Leach's staff in Starkville, Miss.
There, Arnett continued his career climb when took over a defense that had ranked in the 70s and quickly began to implement his system and match Leach's dynamic offensive approach with a rugged, aggressive defense.
Last December, Arnett was elevated first on an interim basis and then to replace Leach after Leach tragically died.
The Bulldogs, 4-6 this season, have games left against in-state foes Southern Miss and Ole Miss.