Lane Kiffin has added a familiar face in the Magnolia State to his staff at Ole Miss.
First reported by On3’s Zach Berry, former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett has found a new home in the industry — this time with his previous employer’s archrival. The widely touted defensive guru is making the move to Oxford as a defensive analyst for the Rebels.
Arnett, who served as defensive coordinator at San Diego State before being hired by the legendary Mike Leach in January 2020, is known for his aggressive 3-3-5 defense. The Bulldogs ranked in the top five of the SEC in each of his first three seasons in total defense, rushing defense, yards per rush, first downs allowed per game, and takeaways. In 2022, Mississippi State led the conference in interceptions and pick-sixes.
The success on the defensive side of the ball earned Arnett an opportunity to take over as the Bulldogs’ frontman following the tragic passing of Mike Leach in December 2022. Arnett’s stint as head coach was short-lived as is the case for many in the win-now age of college football.
Following a 51-10 loss at Texas A&M, newly hired Mississippi State Athletics Director Zac Selmon made his first big coaching decision by axing Arnett loose 10 games into the season, leaving Greg Knox to assume the interim position ahead of former Ole Miss offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s hiring.
Kiffin, known to focus almost exclusively on the offensive side of the ball while allowing others to handle the defense, has added a viable piece to his staff to serve alongside Pete Golding in coaching up a star-studded group of transfers and returners.
Ole Miss will kick off the 2024 season against Furman on August 31.
