5 innovative coaches Mississippi State football fans should know

AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Zach Arnett of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Zach Arnett of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) /
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Gunnar Watson #18 of the Troy Trojans
WEST POINT, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Gunnar Watson #18 of the Troy Trojans waits for the snap against the Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium on October 14, 2023 in West Point, New York. (Photo by Edward Diller/Getty Images) /

Jon Sumrall of the Troy Trojans

Look, maybe fun offenses aren’t necessarily your thing. Maybe you believe that the right defensive coach could be the sort of guy that could lead the Mississippi State Bulldogs to find lasting success in the future.

If you don’t want an offensive innovator leading the Mississippi State football team, let’s take a look at Jon Sumrall, who is a brilliant defensive mind and has already proven himself to be a solid head coach.

Sumrall, in less than two complete seasons with the Troy Trojans, has a record of 18-4 right now. The Trojans went 12-2 a season ago and Sumrall’s stout defense is a huge reason for why Troy was so difficult to beat. It’s also a defense that is doing a lot to shut down some of the best offenses in the Sun Belt.

Sumrall has spent his coaching career all throughout the South and would be familiar with Mississippi State’s natural recruiting footprint.

Now, while he’s not necessarily going to be fairly evaluated by folks who love seeing points scored in reckless amounts, Sumrall should get some credit for the way Troy’s offense looks this season. The 41-year old head coach has a team that is averaging nearly 445 total yards of offense per game.

The dude is a winner. And he has a really good defense. If that’s something you value, then take a look at all Sumrall brings to the table.