Mississippi State works with OU’s Lebby as next coach

• Pete Thamel, ESPNNov 26, 2023, 06:24 PM ET

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby will be the new coach at Mississippi State, the school announced on Sunday.Lebby has been

the offending organizer at OU, Ole Miss and UCF, with high-tempo and prolific offenses his trademark. Since 2019, he’s been coordinator of an offense that’s scored 50 or more points 14 times, leading all active offending coordinators.Lebby accepted a five-year offer, according to ESPN sources. He replaces Zach Arnett, who lasted less than a complete year as MSU’s coach. Arnett was worked with in the wake of the death of Mike Leach. “I am confident that Jeff is the best leader for the next exciting chapter of Mississippi State football,”athletic director Zac Selmon said in a declaration.” He will bring an exciting brand of football, elite student-athlete advancement, and a winning culture to Starkville, all while doing so with high stability.” Editor’s Picks 2 Associated He’ll be the fifth full-time head coach at Mississippi State since Dan Mullen left for Florida after the 2017 season. The school broke a 13-year bowl streak this year, as Mullen re-set the expectations of the program by pushing them to a No. 1 ranking in 2014. Lebby worked at Baylor from 2008 to 2016, and he’s brought tenets from Art Briles’

offense with him throughout his career. He’s also worked for Josh Heupel and Lane Kiffin, 2 of the more prolific offensive minds in the current generation.Oklahoma’s offense in 2023 remains in the Leading 6 nationally in total offense, scoring offense

and passing offense. Mississippi State is among the hardest jobs in the SEC, and success there is often connected to playing a various design due to the fact that it’s difficult to go toe-to-toe with schools like Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M. “Being the head coach at Mississippi State is the chance of a lifetime, “Lebby stated.

“My family and I are fired up to engrain ourselves in this neighborhood, construct relationships with our players, and hit the recruiting trail. This is an unique location with unique individuals and a football program with a storied custom.”