The Latest Breaking News from Mississippi State

Let’s take a quick look at this week’s Associated Press rankings. Yes, just as you’d expect it. Six teams from the mighty SEC among the top 25. Three in the top 10. Four in the top 15.

DALLAS — My first one-on-one with Mike Leach was over the phone, his preferred method of communication outside the bigger pulpit of press conferences. He liked the freedom, and, to his credit, he always called back. Almost to a fault. Like the time the Houston Chronicle’s Joseph Duarte waited all…

Arnett’s sudden promotion after Mike Leach’s death is unexpected, but it was only a matter of time before the 36-year-old nabbed a head coaching job.

Mississippi State was working to finalize a four-year contract with the 36-year-old Arnett.

Arnett, 36, will be the third-youngest head coach in the FBS.

Stories about the late coach from those that knew him paint the picture of his unparalleled life.

In college football, where cliche coach speak floods ear drums, Mike Leach made us listen.

They were both part of Hal Mumme’s first staff as football coach at the University of Kentucky. Guy Morriss was the former NFL offensive lineman from Texas. Mike Leach was the quirky law school graduate from California. Both are now gone, both way too soon.

Leach died on Monday of heart-related complications at age 61.

As heartfelt condolences began circulating online for the Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach, among them were Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks organization.

Leach died Monday at 61, three weeks before he was to lead his Mississippi State team onto the field against Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The game will go on, and his absence will be felt.