Thoughts on Arnett 2.0

I will say I was as surprised as anyone yesterday morning when I heard the news. And I think that goes for anyone that had any sort of connections or sources. NO ONE saw this one coming. Rosebowl can tell everyone that he knew about it, but I believe that about as much as I believe he has sources in the athletic dept anymore. Just a few things:

1. Arnett is an improvement over Hutzler, and a big one at that. I do not see how that is even debatable. His worst defense was ranked 62nd. He had Landon Guidry starting at safety, who would make Hunter Washington look like Ed Reed, and finished 54th.

2. You have to separate Arnett the HC from Arnett the DC. I think I have made my thoughts known on how I feel about him in that capacity. He sucked. He was in over his head, he took bad advice, he tried to overhaul an entire program in 3 months instead of gradually over time, and then he got pissy when we held him accountable for his actions. All they can be true and have nothing to do with Arnett the defensive coordinator. The guy is a good play caller and we will be aggressive on D, which is what Lebby wants.

3. I am not going to pretend to tell you that I had a clue how we did this under the cover of darkness like we did. And anyone who tries to tell you they knew this was coming is blowing smoke up your ass. Like I said earlier, Rosebowl is trying to tell people he knew and he was on his board shooting down the idea Friday afternoon. No one knew. Now do I know if Lebby went behind boosters backs to do this? I do not. That is a rumor out there. I have spoken with 6 or 7 people about this in the last 24 hours. NONE of them, including one national guy, had a clue this was even a remote possibility.

4. As far as a staff, I fully expect Matt Brock to be brought in. Outside of that, no clue. I do think McPhee ends up DL coach. That just continues to gain steam. And before anyone asks, NO. No decision has been made on Corey Bell one way or the other. If anyone tells you differently at this point, they are just speculating. It is true that he and Kelley Jonee are very close. But that does not mean we are just stock keeping him as a CB coach. We could move him to an analyst role for a season and continue to pay him and bring in a CB coach.

Regardless of whether I like the move or not, which I don't think it is a big secret that I absolutely hate it, the defensive staff needs to be filled with coaches who understand Arnett's defensive scheme. I don't see how you can keep any of the defensive coaches that are currently employed. I mean, Arnett hired David Turner in 2023 because some boosters wanted him on staff. However, the way Turner teaches DL to play is not the way Arnett wants his DL to play. There were issues there.

Good thoughts. I think it's an odd move honestly. Because we could have gotten someone similar to Arnett without the baggage.

And because it is who it is I think it puts a lot of pressure on Lebby especially if he just went out and did this on his own. Because if for some reason this doesn't work it's going to be a big black mark on Lebby's resume.

It's going to come down to players and whether Arnett can add those because our talent level on defense is not what it was from 2020-2023. And with the portal hopefully we can do that. Right now we have a lot of work to do so whoever is on staff better be able to recruit.

Jett Johnson was also on Mora's staff at UCONN along with Brock. He was LB corch. Wonder if he may be considered.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by was21

Jett Johnson was also on Mora's staff at UCONN along with Brock. He was LB corch. Wonder if he may be considered.

---

Very junior assistant coach there. Not listed as a “coach” per se just as assistant linebackers. Probably still more of a GA position there. If he is brought back it will be interesting to see in what capacity.

It means no one else would take it, and it also means that the problems that were there when we made him HC in 23 are still there now. And they still have enough pull to make a difference. This is a hire that a decent university admin steps in and says no. But we dont have one. It?s why everyone is dying for baseball to get here and why the east side is full of the opposite colored jersey.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BuckyIsAB****

It means no one else would take it, and it also means that the problems that were there when we made him HC in 23 are still there now. And they still have enough pull to make a difference. This is a hire that a decent university admin steps in and says no. But we dont have one. It?s why everyone is dying for baseball to get here and why the east side is full of the opposite colored jersey.

---

I am surprised that Keenum is allowing this.

But that said I have been told by a couple of people that Arnett has some strict guidelines in place to try to prevent things from happening again. But that is a concern and probably my biggest about bringing Arnett back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

I am surprised that Keenum is allowing this.

But that said I have been told by a couple of people that Arnett has some strict guidelines in place to try to prevent things from happening again. But that is a concern and probably my biggest about bringing Arnett back.

---

Keenum is the one that should be leaving with Lebby right behind him

Arnett either really loves MSU or he’s about to sabotage us from the inside. We will see

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brobi-wan

Arnett either really loves MSU or he’s about to sabotage us from the inside. We will see

---

Or Arnett couldn't find another job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Or Arnett couldn't find another job.

---

Most likely.

It's simple. We struck out on the ones we pursued and the fall back was Arnett. I mean what defensive analyst was gonna say no to being a DC again. It was the best of what we had left. It's not about it being Arnett, it's how we ended up with Arnett. Not a shining moment for those in charge.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Or Arnett couldn't find another job.

---

Wonder if the Magic Mike crew heard of his Wendy’s stunt. They might give him a go

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brobi-wan

Arnett either really loves MSU or he’s about to sabotage us from the inside. We will see

---

Yall are insane. Why wouldn?t Keenum allow this? ZA is a good DC. We need a good DC.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brobi-wan

Arnett either really loves MSU

---

Yes- still owns land here

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by archdog

Yall are insane. Why wouldn?t Keenum allow this? ZA is a good DC. We need a good DC.

---

Let's be real here for just a minute. This guy whether intentional or not did some things to our program that were harmful. And let's just give him the benefit of the doubt here because this doesn't need to turn into another pissing match and just assume it was all unintentional and maybe it was anyway. There are naturally concerns that go along with that.

The thing I keep hearing from people is Zach trusted people he shouldn't have. Now, I don't know who all of those people are and I don't really care. But the reality is when you bring someone back that opens the door for people who we don't need involved at MSU making decisions at a high level.

Now, that said I am confident that MSU is aware of that possibility and I have been told by more than one person that MSU has done things to try to prevent that from happening. And when I say that it's a concern it's a very, very, very small concern. But it still exists nonetheless.

It's like the Death Star had that small vent. It's likely nothing to worry about but if a bomb gets through it could blow up the whole thing like when Leach passed away.

MSU wouldn't have to worry about that at all with pretty much any other DC hire. And that's just the truth.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Good thoughts. I think it's an odd move honestly.

---

Isnt Va Tech about to make the HC they just fired the DC?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coach34

Isnt Va Tech about to make the HC they just fired the DC?

---

Yeah. But when else have you heard of that happening at the college level? I can't think of another instance.

I think everything is gonna be just fine guys. I think Arnett probably learned some very valuable, hard lessons on his path back here. I try and put myself in their shoes sometimes (the ones getting criticized) and think hard on it.

Arnett was a successful DC who probably had dreams of becoming a HC one day, like we all do within our own professions. His time just come too early, and he probably knew that but took the job anyway. He probably expected help along the way, but from the stories I've heard and read is he was just used by boosters to satisfy their own egos. Their own little puppet. And once you're in bed with all that it's hard to get out. We all know the story. He failed miserably and obviously the guy cares. He ended up going down a road of destruction he probably never intended on going down. Mental issues, alcohol, and whatever else. Now he is back where it all started, back in the position he knows and thrives in.

I think the guy is going to kill it. He seems to love Starkville and he has been welcomed back. The guy knows he screwed up but he has a second chance to redeem his story. Maybe this was the hardship in life he needed. He could be more determined, motivated, and intense. This might be what he needed to take him from mid sec defenses to top sec defenses. Maybe Im just a softy or too optimistic- but I'm pulling hard for him. And I believe he is gonna kill it. Lebby knows it too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maroon Glasses

I think everything is gonna be just fine guys. I think Arnett probably learned some very valuable, hard lessons on his path back here. I try and put myself in their shoes sometimes (the ones getting criticized) and think hard on it.

Arnett was a successful DC who probably had dreams of becoming a HC one day, like we all do within our own professions. His time just come too early, and he probably knew that but took the job anyway. He probably expected help along the way, but from the stories I've heard and read is he was just used by boosters to satisfy their own egos. Their own little puppet. And once you're in bed with all that it's hard to get out. We all know the story. He failed miserably and obviously the guy cares. He ended up going down a road of destruction he probably never intended on going down. Mental issues, alcohol, and whatever else. Now he is back where it all started, back in the position he knows and thrives in.

I think the guy is going to kill it. He seems to love Starkville and he has been welcomed back. The guy knows he screwed up but he has a second chance to redeem his story. Maybe this was the hardship in life he needed. He could be more determined, motivated, and intense. This might be what he needed to take him from mid sec defenses to top sec defenses. Maybe Im just a softy or too optimistic- but I'm pulling hard for him. And I believe he is gonna kill it. Lebby knows it too.

---

The fan reaction appears to be mostly positive. That’s a nice change if you pay attention to our social media engagement.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maroon Glasses

I think everything is gonna be just fine guys. I think Arnett probably learned some very valuable, hard lessons on his path back here. I try and put myself in their shoes sometimes (the ones getting criticized) and think hard on it.

Arnett was a successful DC who probably had dreams of becoming a HC one day, like we all do within our own professions. His time just come too early, and he probably knew that but took the job anyway. He probably expected help along the way, but from the stories I've heard and read is he was just used by boosters to satisfy their own egos. Their own little puppet. And once you're in bed with all that it's hard to get out. We all know the story. He failed miserably and obviously the guy cares. He ended up going down a road of destruction he probably never intended on going down. Mental issues, alcohol, and whatever else. Now he is back where it all started, back in the position he knows and thrives in.

I think the guy is going to kill it. He seems to love Starkville and he has been welcomed back. The guy knows he screwed up but he has a second chance to redeem his story. Maybe this was the hardship in life he needed. He could be more determined, motivated, and intense. This might be what he needed to take him from mid sec defenses to top sec defenses. Maybe Im just a softy or too optimistic- but I'm pulling hard for him. And I believe he is gonna kill it. Lebby knows it too.

---

Ultimately what will determine his success is how many good players he can bring in. If he can he will succeed. If he can't he will not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brobi-wan

The fan reaction appears to be mostly positive. That?s a nice change if you pay attention to our social media engagement.

---

I find it mostly positive too. The ones that are negative are just loud and stand behind it. And they have valid points to an extent.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Ultimately what will determine his success is how many good players he can bring in. If he can he will succeed. If he can't he will not.

---

Very, very true. Nothing matters if he can't get players.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maroon Glasses

I find it mostly positive too. The ones that are negative are just loud and stand behind it. And they have valid points to an extent.

---

Personally, I think it would be good if MSU had an interview with him- could be at a news conference, could be with Charlie and Bart or Joe Rogan it doesn't matter- to hear his side of things and his journey.

If for no other reason we haven't heard it before. MSU hasn't put everything out there nor should they but we have heard some things publicly like Will Roger's Dad talking about how they were lied to but we haven't heard Arnett's side of things.

And I'm not saying everything needs to be aired out, boosters named all of that.

I think it should be things like did you really feel like you were ready to take the head coaching job when Leach passed away? Did you feel like you had the option to turn the job down and say no? If you had to do it over again what would you have done differently? What have you learned in the two years since then personally and professionally? Just keep it real candid. I don't think the guy should be tarred and feathered but just tell his side of things.

Now, I don't agree with the hire and certainly on the negative side of things. But my personal view of the reaction from fans is "hopeful that it will work out" which to me is more like fingers crossed and not really confident in it. And I think some people are viewing "hopeful" as "positive".

So, I think it would be good for MSU to put some kind of an interview out there with that because it could potentially help with those of us who feel negatively about it. To me, it seems like MSU too often wants to sweep things under the rug and "pay no attention to 2023 just look at 2020-2022" or whatever when they could probably help unify the program by being more candid at times with situations like this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Personally, I think it would be good if MSU had an interview with him- could be at a news conference, could be with Charlie and Bart or Joe Rogan it doesn't matter- to hear his side of things and his journey.

---

You want the play by play of what led him to go to Wendy's with no clothes on?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

But my personal view of the reaction from fans is "hopeful that it will work out" which to me is more like fingers crossed and not really confident in it. And I think some people are viewing "hopeful" as "positive".

---

I believe that is the view of virtually all fans of any program that has a new significant hire: "hopeful that it works out." Penn State, Arkansas, etc. feel the same way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Quaoarsking

You want the play by play of what led him to go to Wendy's with no clothes on?

---

Hail yeah!!!!! Now we're talking!!!!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Personally, I think it would be good if MSU had an interview with him- could be at a news conference, could be with Charlie and Bart or Joe Rogan it doesn't matter- to hear his side of things and his journey.

If for no other reason we haven't heard it before. MSU hasn't put everything out there nor should they but we have heard some things publicly like Will Roger's Dad talking about how they were lied to but we haven't heard Arnett's side of things.

And I'm not saying everything needs to be aired out, boosters named all of that.

I think it should be things like did you really feel like you were ready to take the head coaching job when Leach passed away? Did you feel like you had the option to turn the job down and say no? If you had to do it over again what would you have done differently? What have you learned in the two years since then personally and professionally? Just keep it real candid. I don't think the guy should be tarred and feathered but just tell his side of things.

Now, I don't agree with the hire and certainly on the negative side of things. But my personal view of the reaction from fans is "hopeful that it will work out" which to me is more like fingers crossed and not really confident in it. And I think some people are viewing "hopeful" as "positive".

So, I think it would be good for MSU to put some kind of an interview out there with that because it could potentially help with those of us who feel negatively about it. To me, it seems like MSU too often wants to sweep things under the rug and "pay no attention to 2023 just look at 2020-2022" or whatever when they could probably help unify the program by being more candid at times with situations like this.

---

While this would be great for us extreme fans on this board, overall I think it would bring a lot of attention to something the university would prefer we all move on from

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Personally, I think it would be good if MSU had an interview with him- could be at a news conference, could be with Charlie and Bart or Joe Rogan it doesn't matter- to hear his side of things and his journey.

If for no other reason we haven't heard it before. MSU hasn't put everything out there nor should they but we have heard some things publicly like Will Roger's Dad talking about how they were lied to but we haven't heard Arnett's side of things.

And I'm not saying everything needs to be aired out, boosters named all of that.

I think it should be things like did you really feel like you were ready to take the head coaching job when Leach passed away? Did you feel like you had the option to turn the job down and say no? If you had to do it over again what would you have done differently? What have you learned in the two years since then personally and professionally? Just keep it real candid. I don't think the guy should be tarred and feathered but just tell his side of things.

Now, I don't agree with the hire and certainly on the negative side of things. But my personal view of the reaction from fans is "hopeful that it will work out" which to me is more like fingers crossed and not really confident in it. And I think some people are viewing "hopeful" as "positive".

So, I think it would be good for MSU to put some kind of an interview out there with that because it could potentially help with those of us who feel negatively about it. To me, it seems like MSU too often wants to sweep things under the rug and "pay no attention to 2023 just look at 2020-2022" or whatever when they could probably help unify the program by being more candid at times with situations like this.

---

In theory it's a great idea. But there's two outcomes of that happening and neither are good.

1. Arnett admits he was in over his head, listened to the wrong people, and overall lost control of the situation. That makes Mississippi State look bad for hiring him, our boostership look like Auburn or Florida, and brings back up issues people had in 2023.

2. Arnett acts defiant and doubles down on his decisions. This causes the Air Raid cult to go back after Arnett and continues to divide an already fractured fanbase.

Like I said, in theory it is a good idea and it would give answers to a lot of things that happened in his 10 months as HC. But you're appeasing 10% of the fanbase and pulling the curtain back and letting the rest of college football see how unorganized we were. That lets other coaches negatively recruit against you because they'll use the Arnett stuff against us.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Todd4State

Personally, I think it would be good if MSU had an interview with him- could be at a news conference, could be with Charlie and Bart or Joe Rogan it doesn't matter- to hear his side of things and his journey.

If for no other reason we haven't heard it before. MSU hasn't put everything out there nor should they but we have heard some things publicly like Will Roger's Dad talking about how they were lied to but we haven't heard Arnett's side of things.

And I'm not saying everything needs to be aired out, boosters named all of that.

I think it should be things like did you really feel like you were ready to take the head coaching job when Leach passed away? Did you feel like you had the option to turn the job down and say no? If you had to do it over again what would you have done differently? What have you learned in the two years since then personally and professionally? Just keep it real candid. I don't think the guy should be tarred and feathered but just tell his side of things.

Now, I don't agree with the hire and certainly on the negative side of things. But my personal view of the reaction from fans is "hopeful that it will work out" which to me is more like fingers crossed and not really confident in it. And I think some people are viewing "hopeful" as "positive".

So, I think it would be good for MSU to put some kind of an interview out there with that because it could potentially help with those of us who feel negatively about it. To me, it seems like MSU too often wants to sweep things under the rug and "pay no attention to 2023 just look at 2020-2022" or whatever when they could probably help unify the program by being more candid at times with situations like this.

---

I think he should come in, say suck it bitches, I'm back!! Gator don't play no shit! Mic drop and do the DX suck it thrust right into the camera. Walk off stage taking no questions.***

do we need a good DC--hell yes-so we get Arnett-a proven DC. that problem for Lebby is over. We will Know how to Blitz again. Now Lebby needs a clock management coach and a special team Coach.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tcdog70

do we need a good DC--hell yes-so we get Arnett-a proven DC. that problem for Lebby is over. We will Know how to Blitz again. Now Lebby needs a clock management coach and a special team Coach.

---

He needs an OC is what he needs so he can focus on stuff like clock management. But he also needs a special teams coach too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

I think he should come in, say suck it bitches, I'm back!! Gator don't play no shit! Mic drop and do the DX suck it thrust right into the camera. Walk off stage taking no questions.***

---

This one made me laugh out loud, especially the Gator reference! ...underrated movie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

I think he should come in, say suck it bitches, I'm back!! Gator don't play no shit! Mic drop and do the DX suck it thrust right into the camera. Walk off stage taking no questions.***

---

Honestly I'd respect the hell out of him. He tried to make the program his own. If he owned it I would probably say he grew as a coach.


Also "Gator don't play no shit" would be incredible. A great reference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

I think he should come in, say suck it bitches, I'm back!! Gator don't play no shit! Mic drop and do the DX suck it thrust right into the camera. Walk off stage taking no questions.***

---

Best post in this tread!

I think he should have to explain why he not only didn't pursue any coach that ran any version of the Air Raid offense, but also why he lied to the players about keeping the offense the same.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KB21

I think he should have to explain why he not only didn't pursue any coach that ran any version of the Air Raid offense, but also why he lied to the players about keeping the offense the same.

---

But what good does that do? How does that best serve Mississippi State moving forward? It doesn't. It's so the Air Raid cult can have some weird satisfaction that they were correct, even though firing him 10 games in should've been satisfaction enough. I mean what is him doing that going to accomplish? Nothing. And maybe that's what you're wanting. You're wanting him fired so you want him to come up and say some stuff that'll get everyone fired up so he'll be fired. He doesn't have to acknowledge his mistakes. He paid for them with his job.

It's water under the bridge at this point. If we didn't suck in 23, we were going to suck in 24. Leach's recruiting was a ticking time bomb. As long as he was coaching, the timer kept getting reset. The minute he stopped we knew we were on the clock for a rebuild. And we all acknowledged it when he was hired and multiple times after.

Looking at this tread now and all this Air Raid bullshit coming back around reminds me of the most important things I really learned from college. Who not to be my Lawyer and who not to be my doctor.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

But what good does that do? How does that best serve Mississippi State moving forward? It doesn't. It's so the Air Raid cult can have some weird satisfaction that they were correct, even though firing him 10 games in should've been satisfaction enough. I mean what is him doing that going to accomplish? Nothing. And maybe that's what you're wanting. You're wanting him fired so you want him to come up and say some stuff that'll get everyone fired up so he'll be fired. He doesn't have to acknowledge his mistakes. He paid for them with his job.

It's water under the bridge at this point. If we didn't suck in 23, we were going to suck in 24. Leach's recruiting was a ticking time bomb. As long as he was coaching, the timer kept getting reset. The minute he stopped we knew we were on the clock for a rebuild. And we all acknowledged it when he was hired and multiple times after.

---

The fact that he is being brought back to the program he destroyed, he should have to acknowledge it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

I think he should come in, say suck it bitches, I'm back!! Gator don't play no shit! Mic drop and do the DX suck it thrust right into the camera. Walk off stage taking no questions.***

---

Nice guy!