Ole Miss defensive analyst set to become a defensive coordinator, but where?

Ole Miss looks set to lose one of their top analysts, with Zach Arnett rumored to be taking a defensive coordinator role at a Group of 5 program.

Early news from 247Sports suggested that Arnett could be heading to Appalachian State. However, the latest reports from CBS and 247Sports expect the former Mississippi State head coach to join UNLV as their defensive coordinator.

The new head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and former Florida coach Dan Mullen has pursued Arnett. The reports say he has his man, with the 38-year-old heading west to join the Mountain West runners-up.

Lane Kiffin loses a significant piece of his staff

After an unsuccessful spell as head coach of Mississippi State during the 2024 season, Zach Arnett was hired by Ole Miss as a defensive analyst before the 2024 season. However, before becoming head coach, he was the DC in Starkville. Kiffin said that during his time with the Bulldogs, he was impressed with how well Arnett had his defense playing, a big reason why he brought him to Oxford.

""The motive was this is somebody that I've always thought does a really unique defensive scheme and causes people a lot of problems for years over there.""

Lane Kiffin on Zach Arnett

It's unknown how much he contributed to Ole Miss's success on defense, but he sure didn't hamper it. While it will be a loss for Kiffin, it should not affect the performances under DC Pete Golding. On the flip side, it's a great hire by Dan Mullen, who will look to challenge for the Mountain West Championship next season.

Kiffin may hire someone to replace Arnett only if the fit is right. The new rule enforced last season allows programs to have unlimited staff on the team, so he is not limited to one replacement. We will see if Kiffin brings people in after the 2024 season ends.