Arnett's Buyout Requires Mississippi State to Pay 50% of Remaining Salary

MSU May Not Be Liable for Full $4.5 Million

OLE Miss Hired Arnett as Analyst

According to documents obtained by The Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi State University (MSU) is required to pay 50% of the remaining salary of former coach Zach Arnett, who was hired by rival Ole Miss in March. The documents reveal that MSU may not be responsible for the full $4.5 million buyout.

Arnett, who was the lowest-paid coach in the SEC this season, was signed to a four-year contract worth $3 million per season with escalators. He was named head coach of Mississippi State in 2020 but was fired after the 2022 season with a 19-17 record.

Ole Miss hired Arnett as an analyst in March. The terms of his new contract with Ole Miss have not been disclosed.