Dan Mullen pursues Zach Arnett as new UNLV DC, per report

Dan Mullen is seeking a former SEC coach outside of his own coaching tree for his new staff, according to a report. Sore FootballScoopMullen is looking to hire Zach Arnett as UNLV’s new defensive coordinator.

Mullen and Arnett are both former Mississippi State head coaches, although they have not previously worked together. Mullen took the MSU head coaching job prior to the 2009 season and remained in Starkville through the 2017 campaign before leaving for Florida. Arnett was Mississippi State’s head coach for their 2022 and 2023 bowl seasons, succeeding Mike Leach after the legendary head coach’s unexpected passing in 2022.

Arnett struggled as a head coach, leading MSU to a 4-6 record before his firing during the 2023 season. He then switched sides in the Egg Bowl rivalry, serving as an Ole Miss analyst on Lane Kiffin’s staff last season.

Arnett, the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator for all 3 seasons under Leach, has an impressive resume as an assistant. He was nominated for the Broyles Award, which goes to the top assistant coach in the country, in each of his first 2 seasons at MSU. Arnett’s 2022 Bulldog defense ranked fifth in the SEC in total defense (350.3), fifth in rushing defense (143.6), fifth in passing defense (206.8) and second in turnovers (22).

FootballScoop’s report follows earlier news that Arnett accepted the App State defensive coordinator position. According to FootballScoop, UNLV made an offer that App State is unable to match.

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collecting concert posters. He strongly supports the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.