Ole Miss’ Judge Receives Elevated Title; Arnett went to UNLV

Lane Kiffin’s approach to Ole Miss staff building last offseason was similar to that of Nick Saban — a football mentor and the legendary former Alabama head coach.

Saban surrounded himself with past and future head coaches. Kiffin was his offensive coordinator, while current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was his defensive coordinator. Billy Napier, now at Florida, was his wide receivers coach. Saban had, among others, Bill O’Brien in off-field roles. O’Brien is the head coach at Boston College.

Kiffin also brought in former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge, among others. Judge interviewed this offseason for head coaching vacancies at both Temple and UMass.

He is currently scheduled to return to Ole Miss with an elevated senior analyst title. He has worked almost exclusively with the offense, especially the quarterbacks and offensive line.

“Joe Judge interviewed for UMass head coaching job, sources say,” The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported a few weeks ago. “Lots of mutual interest. Ole Miss made a strong push to keep Judge, so he ultimately decided to withdraw from consideration. Judge is the former Giants HC and longtime Patriots special teams coordinator.”

Zach Arnett was hired in March after three seasons at in-state rival Mississippi State.

He took over as Bulldog head coach following the passing of Mike Leach.

Arnett was the state’s defensive coordinator before he was the head coach. His defense in 2022 allowed 23.1 points per game. match.

The Ole Miss Spirit reported last month Arnett received coordinator interest. Arnett this week seemed on edge to become the new DC of App State. He was even floated earlier in the offseason as a potential Florida State candidate.

Arnett is instead headed to UNLV to join the staff of another former Mississippi State head coach, Dan Mullen. He will serve as defensive coordinator for Mullen, according to Football Scoop.

“He’s added a lot of experience to our defense,” Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery said. “I think everyone gets knowledge from him — not just the players, but the coaches as well. He does a great job of just helping out wherever he can. He has a lot of experience and with his knowledge, he helps defensive line, linebackers and even defensive backs. I think that’s where it comes in the most.”

Arnett was Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator for all three seasons under Leach.

He was twice nominated for the Broyles Award, given annually to college football’s top assistant.

The 2022 Bulldogs were second in the SEC in turnovers (22). They ranked fifth in total defense (350.3), rushing defense (143.6) and passing defense (206.8).

“Zach has been great to have around,” Kiffin previously said of Arnett. “Very different systems between what he does and what (Ole Miss defensive coordinator) Pete (Golding) does, so I think it’s been really good for him to have around. He’s doing a good job.

“Really, no job is too small. He helps run different parts of the service team and stuff. I can see why he’s been a great coordinator and a great motivator for players.”