Arnett Named next MSU Coach - 4 Year Deal to be signed.

[Johnson85]

Blowing up the program at this juncture was not an option. Losing most of our recruits and a sizable portion of the roster to the portal would have been a severe blow to the next coach. Arnett knows this program. He is respected among the staff. He knows the recruiting landscape very well. And most importantly Leach really, really liked him a lot. He turned to Zach often for coaching decisions.

I would not be surprised in a couple of years everybody's all on board and demanding we pay the man an outrageous salary because he's proven to be a damn good head coach and bigger programs are knocking on his door.

I would not either but that doesn't change whether the decision making process was good or not. There will rarely be a time a coaching change doesn't negatively impact a recruiting class. It's practically guaranteed now with the early signing period. That doesn't mean you always promote from within.

And again, I am good with Arnett and thought he would be a top candidate if not the guy at the end of the day. I am just questioning whether the decision was well reasoned or not.

[WinningIsRelentless]

I would not either but that doesn't change whether the decision making process was good or not. There will rarely be a time a coaching change doesn't negatively impact a recruiting class. It's practically guaranteed now with the early signing period. That doesn't mean you always promote from within.

And again, I am good with Arnett and thought he would be a top candidate if not the guy at the end of the day. I am just questioning whether the decision was well reasoned or not.

Everyone talks about the Leach coaching tree. I would take Leach word when he and Keenum had a conversation after Auburn if it goes bad who should we target.

[TrapGame]

I would not either but that doesn't change whether the decision making process was good or not. There will rarely be a time a coaching change doesn't negatively impact a recruiting class. It's practically guaranteed now with the early signing period. That doesn't mean you always promote from within.

And again, I am good with Arnett and thought he would be a top candidate if not the guy at the end of the day. I am just questioning whether the decision was well reasoned or not.

If you are good with Arnett why are you questioning the decision?

Again, some of y'all can't grasp the concept that this was the best option on the table. That was the decision to keep this current program together. It was the right decision.

[Desoto1967]

Per Twitter---- 3 million a year

[DownwardDawg]

Per Twitter---- 3 million a year

Perfect!!!

[Commercecomet24]

We already had this plan in place. Zach was going to be a HC sooner rather than later and very very likely taken over here. Rocky and Leach both groomed him and both very thought he would be good and a good fit. I mentioned the other day it is the single biggest factor determining your next coach. It has to fit and Zach fits and is invested in the Mississippi State community. We all know coaching hires are crap shoots but honestly sitting P5 coordinators have a better track record of success than G5 HC's. I'm 100% on board and actually believe he will do an outstanding job running the program. He is an impressive guy.

I See it the same way. Leach knew what he had in Zach and knew the guys potential as a HC. I would say Leachs track record for recognizing head coaching potential is way better than any of ours and he was grooming Zach to become a HC it just came a little earlier than expected due to this tragic occurrence.

[Commercecomet24]

Per Twitter---- 3 million a year

Now spend the money we're saving on a great oc!

[TheLostDawg]

I See it the same way. Leach knew what he had in Zach and knew the guys potential as a HC. I would say Leachs track record for recognizing head coaching potential is way better than any of ours and he was grooming Zach to become a HC it just came a little earlier than expected due to this tragic occurrence.

So this is my concern for SS as OC. Why was he not being groomed, put as OC.
Was it because he didn't want to be HC and was planning on being OC for Arnett and time table for moved up?

Someone mentioned Arnett has never had to make a decision to go for it on fourth down. Well honestly I'd rather him make the decision. He's going to see just like everyone else how the offense is doing momentum wise, you know he will run it by the OC or sign off of it for them but most importantly he's going to know how our defense is holding up (worn out, getting beat mentally vs starters ready to go) in case we don't convert it.

Arnett has energy which I know as all love. If you have heard him speak you know it's like that for him 24/7 .
This guy is going to give everything he has.

We just have to get this OC/qb coach hire right. We can't rush that

[Cowbell]

Now spend the money we're saving on a great oc!

I would dare see today we have the best ROI in America if that's what we are spending

[State82]

Per Twitter---- 3 million a year

Nice work by Dr. Keenum and his group to keep everything reasonable and very manageable. Especially in the future should the need arise. Fair to the coach and the university.

[Desoto1967]

Let's hope after next season he could expect to get Lane money

[DownwardDawg]

Thank goodness Cohen was gone during this situation. He would have screwed this up somehow.

[TorpedoIPA]

Everyone talks about the Leach coaching tree. I would take Leach word when he and Keenum had a conversation after Auburn if it goes bad who should we target.

Never heard about that particular conversation. What are you referring to as going bad ? Thanks.

[sandjunky]

Give him a shot. Croom had no OC or DC .

That is false - he was OC for lions (like 4-5seasons) then let go and picked by Packers to be RB coach for a few prior to State calling


No telling how good that Lions offense could have been with an innovative coach - Barry Sanders essentially wasted in his prime

[Reason2succeed]

Two coaching legends gave Zach Arnett their blessing. I trust that. Rocky Long pointed to Arnett when he turned down the job. Leach went and poached Arnett from Syracuse even though he had already agreed to take their spot. That?s says tons.
Long and Leach have seen tons of coaches but both of them believe(d) in Arnett. He comes here and proves them right for the last three years. He coaches in the best conference in CFB and more than holds his own.

On top of that he knows the players, recruits, potential transfers, the geography, the culture, etc. He is the best guy for this circumstance. I think this is a home run hire and will be shocked if we don?t continue to do well. He may even upgrade in places where we felt Leach wasn?t as effective and intense enough.

He should know which offensive minds give him the most trouble. He should be able to break down tape quickly on a play caller and make a good decision on who should lead the offense. I?m confident in Coach Arnett?s ability to do it.

These are sad but exciting times to be a Bulldog!

[BorneDawg]

Two coaching legends gave Zach Arnett their blessing. I trust that. Rocky Long pointed to Arnett when he turned down the job. Leach went and poached Arnett from Syracuse even though he had already agreed to take their spot. That?s says tons.
Long and Leach have seen tons of coaches but both of them believe(d) in Arnett. He comes here and proves them right for the last three years. He coaches in the best conference in CFB and more than holds his own.

On top of that he knows the players, recruits, potential transfers, the geography, the culture, etc. He is the best guy for this circumstance. I think this is a home run hire and will be shocked if we don?t continue to do well. He may even upgrade in places where we felt Leach wasn?t as effective and intense enough.

He should know which offensive minds give him the most trouble. He should be able to break down tape quickly on a play caller and make a good decision on who should lead the offense. I?m confident in Coach Arnett?s ability to do it.

These are sad but exciting times to be a Bulldog!

THIS! my thoughts as well

[Lord McBuckethead]

Agreed. Sad times, but the decision on Arnett was well founded.

[CoachT14]

If you are good with Arnett why are you questioning the decision?

Again, some of y'all can't grasp the concept that this was the best option on the table. That was the decision to keep this current program together. It was the right decision.

You can be good with Arnett and still have reservations. It is possible to have opinions that vary depending on the situation.

I’m fine with Arnett with an experience OC. I’m not so fine with Arnett with an internal OC hire. Pretty simple.

[CoachT14]

Thank goodness Cohen was gone during this situation. He would have screwed this up somehow.

Cohen being the smartest guy in the room probably hires Tony Hughes or Spurrier Jr.

[Pancho]

It was sure a blessing to have Dr Keenum make the selection.