Mississippi State football is set to welcome back a familiar figure as Coach Jeff Lebby announces the addition of Matt Brock to the coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 season. Brock, who previously served as an assistant and was the defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, will reunite with former colleague Zach Arnett, who is returning to coordinate the defense after a stint as head coach.
Brock, who is likely to resume his role managing linebackers—his specialty during his four seasons with the Bulldogs—will officially join the staff once his current team, UConn, wraps up their season at the Fenway Bowl on December 27. The timing allows him to transition seamlessly into his new role ahead of the Duke’s Bowl on January 2.
This hiring comes on the heels of the dismissal of Coleman Hutzler, who served as the defensive coordinator and coached linebackers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The rebuilding of the defensive staff aims to restore the standards that have historically defined Mississippi State football. Under Arnett’s previous leadership as safeties coach alongside Coach Mike Leach from 2020 to 2022, the defense experienced notable successes, and the arrival of Brock is anticipated to enhance these efforts.
In his earlier tenure with Mississippi State, Brock made significant contributions, notably developing inside linebacker Nate Watson, who earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2022 and was recognized as the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Watson’s performance, alongside teammate Jett Johnson, showcased Brock’s ability to cultivate talent and foster competitiveness within the team.
Brock’s recent experience includes serving as defensive coordinator at UConn under Coach Jim Mora, leading the Huskies to a surprising 9-3 record this season. As Mora transitions to Colorado State, UConn has appointed Jason Candle, previously the head coach at Toledo, as their new leader. Candle’s history with Mississippi State fans includes a notable victory against Lebby’s squad last year.
Before his time at UConn, Brock served under Arnett as outside linebackers and special teams coach at Washington State from 2018 to 2019, and he also held similar positions at Bowling Green. His coaching career began at Texas Tech, where he worked as an analyst and later as linebackers coach from 2013 to 2015. A former linebacker himself, Brock graduated from Baker University in 2011, where he garnered accolades as an Academic All-America player.
As the signing period for high school and junior college players approaches, further changes to the defensive staff are anticipated this winter as Lebby aims for a comprehensive overhaul in response to two challenging seasons. With Brock back on board, questions regarding player futures and the upcoming NCAA transfer window opening from January 2 to 16 are likely to be addressed, providing clarity for both current and prospective Bulldogs.
