Mississippi State football: 5 coaches primed for a rebuild

Is Willie Fritz the perfect choice to restore Mississippi State football?

With Zach Arnett out as the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and as MSU looks to rebuild, one great option for Zac Selmon to consider is Willie Fritz, the current head coach of the Tulane Green Wave.

Time and time again, Fritz has done an incredible job of orchestrating remarkable rebuilds throughout the entirety of his accomplished coaching career. Because Fritz is 63, there are reasons to wonder if he would be interested in doing another long haul rebuilding project, or if he would like to retire in a couple seasons.

But, even if you only got a handful of years with Fritz in charge, there’s a chance that he can revive the struggling football program and get it back on track before handing it off for someone else to move forward with.

And it’s important to remember that Fritz has been a winner just about everywhere he’s been. He had ample success with Central Michigan, he won with Sam Houston State, thrived with Georgia Southern, and now is leading one of the best G5 programs in the country in Tulane.

On the recruiting trail, Fritz has connections all over the Southeast and into Louisiana and Texas. His time at places like Sam Houston State, Georgia Southern, and Tulane would give MSU some solid talent pipelines to work with to enhance MSU’s recruiting effort and build upon the in-state talent available.

• Tulane’s record before Fritz was hired: 3-9
• Record since: 52-46
• Notable achievements: 12-2 season in 2022, Cotton Bowl win over USC, 3-1 bowl record

Again, it’s worth wondering if he’s content with where he’s at or if he’d like to coach in the Midwest, a little closer to home, but maybe the challenge of coaching in the SEC could lead him to Starkville.

MSU needs some stability and sustainability. Fritz could deliver that.