Zach Arnett: A Former Mississippi State Head Coach Could Be Auburn's Next Defensive Coordinator

Arnett Has SEC Experience and Ties to Auburn AD John Cohen

Mississippi Could Be a Candidate for Auburn's Defensive Coordinator Position

Zachary Arnett, born September 10, 1986, is an American football coach who is currently an analyst at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He previously served as the head coach at Mississippi State from 2020 to 2022.

Arnett's name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position at Auburn University. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is reportedly looking for someone with SEC experience, and Arnett fits the bill. He was hired by the late Mike Leach in 2020 to be Mississippi State's defensive coordinator, and he was promoted to head coach after Leach's death in December 2022.

Arnett has a strong track record as a defensive coordinator. In his two seasons at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs ranked in the top 25 in the SEC in total defense both years. He also has experience as a linebackers coach, having served in that role at San Diego State from 2014 to 2019.

Arnett's only immediate connection to Auburn comes in the form of Athletic Director John Cohen. Cohen left Mississippi State for Auburn in 2023. Arnett and Cohen have a good relationship, and it's possible that Cohen could play a role in Arnett's decision to join Auburn.

If Arnett is hired by Auburn, he would be the third former Mississippi State head coach to serve as the Tigers' defensive coordinator in recent years. Kevin Steele held the position from 2016 to 2020, and Will Muschamp held it from 2021 to 2022.