What Will Be HC Zach Arnett’s Speculated Buyout as Mississippi State Fires Him?

Bulldogs head coach Zach Arnett has been facing scrutiny due to the team’s season performance. As per recent revelations, Mississippi State football fired Arnett on Monday, marking the end of his first full season as coach. He led the Bulldogs to a 4-6 record (1-6 in the SEC), finishing with an overall 5-6 record. Senior offensive analyst Greg Knox steps in as the interim head coach for the last two games of the season.

But the details of Arnett’s contract buyout have generated significant interest after his counteract details reached the hand of college football reporters, On3’s Andy Staples and ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Arnett’s program-friendly buyout is not so friendly for his career 

Arnett’s contract details are rather intriguing. His four-year deal pays $3 million annually, and the buyout clause guarantees 50% of the remaining contract amount if he’s fired. If released after this season, the owed amount totals $4.5 million over three years. Despite being the lowest-paid SEC coach, the buyout offers a manageable sum for the school. 

An interesting twist lies in Arnett’s duty to mitigate, however. Any new coaching role would offset the buyout figure. Given his abilities, he might secure a position with a salary equivalent to or surpassing the owed amount. The financial implications of his buyout leave the future of the Bulldogs in 2024 uncertain but intriguing.

Arnett’s run with the Mississippi program 

Hailing from New Mexico, Arnett practiced football as a linebacker from 2005 to 2008 at the University of New Mexico. Starting as a graduate assistant at San Diego State in 2011, Arnett soon climbed to the position of defensive coordinator. He briefly joined Syracuse in 2020 before transitioning to MSU. Arnett became head coach just a month before Selmon became athletic director.

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In December, Arnett rose to head coach following the unfortunate and unexpected demise of Mike Leach. As the lowest-paid SEC coach this year, he effectively guided Mississippi State to a ReliaQuest Bowl win over Illinois. Ahead of this season, he had tried his hand to revamp the roster but saw a mixed record. Mississippi State had a positive opening to the season, recording two wins, but soon started struggling, losing five of the next seven games, claiming victory only against Western Michigan and Arkansas. The recent defeat to Texas A&M rang the knell to Arnett’s run with the Mississippi State.

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