Following the tragic passing of Mike Leach back in December, Zach Arnett stepped in to guide the Mississippi State football program forward. It sure looks like one key leader is impressed with how Arnett is handling things.
After the unexpected and heartbreaking death of former Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach, former MSU defensive coordinator Zach Arnett ensured that the Bulldogs would not simply be left with a huge void of leadership. While nobody could ever truly replace Leach, Arnett’s promotion ensured stability and continuity for the folks in Starkville.
And that matters. It sure seems like star running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks is impressed with Arnett’s ability to lead and guide the Bulldogs forward.
As Marks noted during SEC Media Days (according to ASAP Sports), the transition from Leach to Arnett has been as smooth as one could possibly hope for it to be given the tragic circumstances that caused the coaching change.
“The transition hasn’t really been that bad because Coach Arnett has been there,” Marks stated.
Mississippi State football: Woody Marks has high opinion of Zach Arnett’s leadership for the Bulldogs
And even though Arnett was on the defensive side of things, it sure seems like Marks has a pretty solid relationship with the former defensive coordinator and current head coach.
“We all have a great relationship with him from being on the defensive side. From me being on the offensive side, he has just been open arms, even though he was the defensive coordinator, to the offensive players,” Marks explained.
And even though the two have different philosophical backgrounds, there are similarities between the running back and head coach.
“He got the same mindset as me,” Marks said. “I want to win. I want to attack opponents. I get very fiery when it comes to football. I want to learn new stuff. And that’s what type of person he is. He’s very kind. He’s very fiery on the field.”
While everyone in Starkville will certainly miss Leach (for his personality, brilliant offensive mind, and the impact he had on the sport and on those around him, Arnett might just be the right sort of guy to follow in his footsteps as the head coach in Starkville.
Leach was tough as a coach. He had high expectations for excellence. And it looks like Arnett is continuing on with a hard-nosed, physical identity.
“He was a defensive coordinator,” Marks explained. “So defense, they always tough, hard-nosed, and I feel like Mississippi State is hard-nosed. So that’s why we picked him as the head coach.”
There’s no doubt that emotions will run high for the Bulldogs. Again, nobody can replace Leach. But finding someone to follow him up, it seems appropriate to trust Arnett.