Mississippi State's football coaching assignments for the 2026 season have been finalized, marking a significant shift in the program's leadership. With several new hires and role adjustments, the team is poised for a strategic transformation. Among the notable changes, newly hired assistant Bush Hamdan will serve as the associate head coach and coach the wide receivers, bringing versatility to the staff. Coach Kevin Johns, previously at Oklahoma State, joins the team to work with the quarterbacks, replacing the departed Matt Holecek. Coach Matt Barnes, a defensive stalwart, transitions from co-defensive coordinator to a dedicated focus on coaching the Bulldog safeties for a third year. Longtime defensive line coach David Turner, now in an off-field role as senior defensive line consultant, will remain closely engaged with the team. The program welcomes Jermauria Rasco, a former LSU player and assistant, as the assistant defensive line coach, adding depth to the defensive staff. The most significant changes, however, are on the defensive side, with Coach Zach Arnett taking over as defensive coordinator, a role previously held by Coleman Hutzler, who has moved to Auburn. Arnett is joined by former Bulldog linebacker coach Matt Brock and former Mississippi State standout linebacker Jett Johnson, both returning to Starkville, to strengthen the linebacker coaching. The Bulldogs' coaching staff is now fully assembled, ready to tackle the challenges ahead, with a focus on both physical and mental preparation for the upcoming spring practices.
