Mississippi State has fired football coach Zach Arnett just 10 games into his first season, the school announced Monday morning.

Arnett, the former defensive coordinator who was elevated to head coach following the sudden death of Mike Leach last December, was 4-6 overall, 1-6 in the SEC in his lone season on the job. The Bulldogs have lost three straight games, including a 51-10 blowout on Saturday at the hands of Texas A&M (which also fired head coach Jimbo Fisher on Sunday).

Athletics director Zac Selmon released the following statement on Monday:

“As part of my thorough and continued evaluation, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to move our football program forward and position it for the highest level of success. I have the utmost respect for Zach Arnett and am incredibly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our football program. However, the progress and on-field results have not been of the standard required for Mississippi State to achieve the level of success we need and expect.

“Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December. He provided the football program much needed leadership and stability during a tragic time. There is no question that he has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes during his time here. We are grateful for his contributions to Mississippi State and wish him the very best both personally and professionally.

“Starkville is a special place with incredible people. Our football program is an NFL factory in a recruiting footprint that is second to none and has previously shown it can compete at the highest level in the SEC. With Mississippi State’s history, tradition, devoted fan base and facilities, while competing in the nation’s best conference, I firmly believe we will attract someone who will bring a winning culture on-and-off the field and lead our program to new heights in today’s era of college football.”

Arnett was elevated to head coach by interim athletics director Bracky Brett, who took over when John Cohen left for Auburn in October 2022. Selmon was hired as AD in January.

Arnett is by far the quickest in-season firing in modern SEC football history, topped only by Alabama dismissing Mike Price for off-field behavior in 2003 before he even coached a game. Every other SEC football coach since World War II was given at least one full season before being let go.

Mississippi State hosts Southern Miss in a non-conference game on Saturday, then faces arch-rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl in Starkville on Thanksgiving night. Senior offensive analyst Greg Knox — a former assistant at Auburn, Ole Miss and Florida in addition to Mississippi State — will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season.