Syracuse defensive coordinator Zach Arnett is reportedly leaving to take the same position on Mike Leach’s staff at Mississippi State, according to a tweet from Yahoo! Sports’ Pete Thamel.

John Wildhack, Syracuse’s Director of Athletics, released a statement confirming the initial reports.

“We are disappointed that Zach Arnett has decided not to honor the commitment he made to Syracuse University,” Wildhack’s statement read. “We will continue to work diligently to find the best defensive coach for our program.”

Arnett was announced as the Orange’s new defensive coordinator — succeeding Brian Ward, who served as DC since Dino Babers’ arrival at SU — 11 days ago on Jan. 11. His sudden departure continues the most turbulent offseason for Syracuse since Babers was hired in December 2015.

Prior to taking the Syracuse job, Arnett was San Diego State’s defensive coordinator for a season, coaching the Aztecs to one of the best defensive seasons in the country while running his 3-3-5 scheme. He served under Rocky Long at SDSU; Long also interviewed to be Syracuse’s offensive coordinator.

According to Nate Mink of Syracuse.com, Wildhack said that Arnett had signed an offer sheet with the university, and then later matched Mississippi State’s contract offer with a new one.

Arnett’s departure leaves a hole in SU’s coaching staff late in the 2020 recruiting cycle and, more importantly, late in the hiring cycle.

Mississippi State did not immediately respond to initial requests for comment.

This story has been updated to reflect Syracuse’s statement confirming Arnett’s move and with information about SU’s contract offer. This story is developing and will be updated with further reporting.

Published on January 22, 2020 at 2:50 pm

Contact Andrew: aegraham@syr.edu | @A_E_Graham