Mississippi State football: How much money does Zach Arnett make?

As the Mississippi State football program heads into the first season of the Zach Arnett era, here’s what his contract looks like as the head coach of the Bulldogs.

The first full season of the Zach Arnett era of Mississippi State football is upon us and the Bulldogs’ head coach is faced with the unenviable task of following up a coaching legend in Mike Leach.

Following Leach’s tragic passing, Mississippi State turned to Arnett, the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator at the time, to step in and lead the MSU football team forward.

Arnett is a young, first time head coach, but he was someone who was receiving an abundance of interest and praise for the way he designed MSU’s defense. And so it made sense to give him a shot as a head coach in Starkville.

But how much is Arnett making? What does his contract look like?

Zach Arnett contract: How much money does Mississippi State football head coach make?

Arnett is apparently making $3 million a year, as the university announced when it became clear that MSU’s former defensive coordinator was being promoted and stepping into the role as the head coach of the Bulldogs.

That’s a pretty hefty sum of money, but it’s not exactly a huge head coaching salary these days. By the ridiculous Southeastern Conference standards, it’s a pretty low amount of money. Here’s how Arnett’s salary ranks amongst SEC head coaches, according to 247Sports:

• Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide – $11.7 million
• Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs – $11.2 million
• Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers – $9.5 million
• Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M Aggies – $9.5 million
• Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels – $9 million
• Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers – $9 million
• Mark Stoops, Kentucky Wildcats – $8.6 million
• Billy Napier, Florida Gators – $7.2 million
• Hugh Freeze, Auburn Tigers – $6.5 million
• Shane Beamer, South Carolina Gamecocks – $6.2 million
• Sam Pittman, Arkansas Razorbacks – $6 million
• Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers – $6 million
• Zach Arnett, Mississippi State Bulldogs – $3 million

Vanderbilt’s salaries aren’t publicly available. Private schools and all that jazz.

So, Arnett is starting off at the bottom of the list here. He’s not making much money when compared to other SEC head coaches. But he’s also a first time head coach and he’s young. Things should hopefully change if he finds significant success.

And so, with more wins will come more money. So here’s to hoping that the Mississippi State Bulldogs keep winning so that MSU’s coaching staff keeps getting paid handsomely for their efforts and hard work.