Mississippi State Football: 5 Candidates I Would Interview for the Defensive Coordinator Job if Arnett Leaves
![LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks on during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks on during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d82bcbeccd240ffbfed4025366a14dd535438e4b81ed71f0e701f552af429b58.jpg)
I said five, but this name would be an intriguing hire, and I have no idea if he would even be interested in being a College Defensive Coordinator. If Mississippi State could somehow convince Lovie Smith to become the next defensive coordinator at Mississippi State, it would bring instant added credibility to the program.
I know Smith did not have a winning record while coaching at Illinois, but he did coach in a Super Bowl and had a winning record as an NFL Head Coach. I do expect Smith to head back to the NFL stomping grounds, but what if he enjoyed his college experience enough to want to stay at the college level.
If Smith is interested, you do not overlook him. Other possible candidates could be former Marshall Defensive Coordinator Brad Lambert, Former Mississippi State defensive line coach Brian Baker, and former Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Ted Roof.