Zach Arnett Joins UNLV as Defensive Coordinator Under New Head Coach Dan Mullen
UNLV hired Zach Arnett as the Rebels defensive coordinator – the first major hire under new head coach Dan Mullen. The team will keep cornerbacks coach Akeem Davis, who joined the staff in 2022.
This move gives Arnett a fresh start after his short time as Mississippi State’s head coach ended in 2023 with a 5-6 record. After Mike Leach’s death in December 2022, Arnett took over as interim head coach.
Before this head coach spot, his career included four strong years at MSU, where his defensive work earned him two Broyles Award nominations, a high honor for the top assistant coaches.
Arnett has a prolific coaching career, spending nine seasons at San Diego State. He began as a graduate assistant and eventually earned the defensive coordinator role. Under his leadership, the team ranked among the nation’s best in several defensive categories.
Before coaching, the New Mexico native played linebacker at the University of New Mexico from 2005 through 2008 under a football scholarship. Years before, he played football and baseball at La Cueva High School. That experience set the stage for his 13 years of developing defensive units.
After spending a year as an analyst at Ole Miss in 2024, Arnett now brings his expertise to UNLV. His proven leadership, aggressive play tactics, and undeniable love for football show promise for the UNLV Rebels.
