In a move that helps Florida State continue to strengthen its defensive coaching staff, the Seminoles have hired former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett as a defensive analyst, according to multiple reports. The addition of Arnett, a respected defensive mind with experience at the Power Four level, is expected to be an asset to FSU’s defense under new coordinator Tony White.
Arnett, 38, brings a wealth of experience to Tallahassee, having served in various defensive roles throughout his coaching career. A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Arnett played linebacker at the University of New Mexico from 2005 to 2008 before transitioning to coaching. The connection between Arnett and Florida State’s new defensive coordinator, Tony White comes from when White coached Arnett during his playing days at New Mexico in 2008.
His rise through the coaching ranks has been marked by a reputation for innovative defensive schemes and developing talent. Arnett’s coaching journey includes stints as a graduate assistant and defensive coordinator at San Diego State (2011–2019), defensive coordinator at Mississippi State (2020–2022), and head coach of the Bulldogs in 2023.
Arnett’s tenure as Mississippi State’s head coach began under extraordinary circumstances. Following the sudden passing of legendary coach Mike Leach in December 2022, Arnett was named interim head coach and later promoted to the full-time role. He led the Bulldogs to an emotional 19-10 victory over Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl, capping a 9-4 season. However, his time as head coach was short-lived, as he was fired in November 2023 after a 4-6 record in his first full season, with the program struggling to maintain momentum.
I don’t put much stock into his head coaching record for a few reasons. First, the circumstances were unique, and who knows if he was even ready to be a head coach? Not to mention, he was given less than one season to figure it out. Second, not all good defensive coordinators make good head coaches. Charlie Strong and Will Muschamp are great examples of that. Finally, he’s only serving in an analyst role, so it’s irrelevant to his current duties.
Before his head coaching role, Arnett served as Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator, running a 3-3-5 scheme known for its aggressive play. His defenses may not have been elite, but they were far from bad. During his final season as DC at San Diego State Arnett guided the Aztecs to the second-ranked scoring defense.
After he departed from Mississippi State, Arnett joined Ole Miss as a defensive analyst in 2024 under head coach Lane Kiffin. Arnett was part of a staff that helped the Rebels finish with the second-ranked scoring defense nationally. In December 2024, Arnett was hired as defensive coordinator at UNLV under former Florida coach Dan Mullen, but he resigned in April 2025 for personal reasons.
At FSU, Arnett is expected to work with White on the defensive side of the ball. This gives FSU another experienced voice in the room who is already familiar with the new scheme. Expanding the support staff is something I’ve long thought FSU could benefit from. Getting that kind of experience in an analyst role feels like a win to me. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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