According to sources, Mississippi State has agreed to terms on a new coach. He will take the place of Mike Leach.
Sources say that a four-year deal has yet to be signed but is expected to be done soon.
The move was made quickly in the aftermath of Leach's death as a way of stabilizing the program and keeping the on-field enthusiasm going.
The players will be given a strong leader to help them through the grieving process, according to a source. He is the one for that. He's going to build on the foundation that the coach put in place.
The success of Mississippi State's 3-4-5 scheme has made it difficult to face it in the SEC. The unit finished 39th in the nation in total defense, an impressive number considering how State's program is run.
The first two seasons in Starkville, Arnett's aggressive defense finished in the top 5 in the SEC in total defense. When wealthier schools courted him in the past, he kept his loyalty to Mississippi State.
The tidal wave of emotions that have come from Leach's hospitalization and death have impressed the leader of the group. He has told the team to follow the standard set by the coach.
State will play Illinois in a bowl game on New Year's Day.
A source said that he has been a leader. Both sides of the ball respect him. He has led this team through adversity and made sure that we finish the season the way we started.
Mississippi State has a strong core of players that shined on defense. Two of the program's leading tacklers have said they will return to school. He was the SEC's leader in tackles.
Jaden Crumedy, Jordan Davis, and Nathan Pickering have all stated publicly that they will return. It will give Arnett an experienced group of returners that will help them keep their defensive identity.
Miami transfer Khamauri Rogers committed to Michigan State on Wednesday.
He originally committed to play baseball in New Mexico before earning a football scholarship and playing defense for the Lobos. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at San Diego State and worked his way up to assistant coach and eventually defensive coordinator under the legendary Rocky Long.
His presence in the program helped him earn the State job. This week it was necessary for that leadership to be in place.
A source said that the way he addressed the team was amazing. It was like you were listening to the head coach speak to his team. We've been through a lot, and he reminded us of what we had to do. He agrees with those expectations.
Mississippi State will hold a memorial service on Tuesday to honor the life of Leach.
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