Mississippi State names Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby next head football coach

Photo courtesy: AP

Mississippi State has officially hired Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to be the Bulldogs’ next head football coach. Lebby’s Sooners led the Big 12 in points per game (40.8) and passing yards per game (314.7) this season. They’re ranked 13th in the College Football Playoff’s Top 25 Poll.

“The future of our football program is incredibly bright with the addition of Jeff Lebby at the helm,” MSU Athletic Director Zac Selmon said. “I am confident that Jeff is the perfect leader for the next exciting chapter of Mississippi State football. He will bring an exciting brand of football, elite student-athlete development, and a winning culture to Starkville, all while doing so with high integrity.”

Prior to his time in Norman, Lebby was the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss for two seasons. He also was UCF’s quarterbacks coach in 2018 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019. Lebby was Southeastern’s offensive coordinator in 2017 after working as an assistant in a variety of different roles at Baylor from 2008 through 2016.

“He is a dynamic recruiter who will attract an elite coaching staff and the nation’s top talent. There is no doubt in my mind that Jeff’s leadership, vision, and resilient work ethic will take this program to incredible heights,” Selmon said.

Lebby and Mississippi State Athletic Director Zac Selmon have deep ties to Oklahoma. Selmon is from Norman and worked in the Sooners’ athletic department for years, and Lebby played for OU. He replaces Zach Arnett who went 5-6 as MSU’s head coach following the sudden death of former coach Mike Leach last December.

Lebby will arrive in Starkville Sunday night and he will be introduced Monday night at 7:30 outside the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex.