Fact or Fiction: Mike Leach's Legacy, Zach Arnett, Ryan Walters

In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. We’ll never see another Mike Leach.

Farrell’s take: FACT

This doesn’t need a ton of explanation but I wanted to give the man his due. I’ve never met anyone more outrageous, eccentric and genuinely fun to be around in college football. I didn’t know him well but the stories I’ve been told, most not for print, just bring a smile to your face. He innovated on the field and was beyond rare off it. Others will do the same but never to the same level. RIP coach.

Dec 24, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington State team head coach Mike Leach arrives at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for Cheez It Bowl on Dec 24, 2019. Cheez It Bowl will be played at Chase Field on Dec 27 Air Force vs. Washington State.

2. Zach Arnett is the right hire for State.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I saw some losers out there trying to slam Mississippi State for replacing a legend in a day after a traumatic death. But that’s ridiculous. The Mississippi State administration made many smart, calculated moves here. Hiring Arnett gives the players stability as they mourn the death of their coach. His 3-3-5 defense isn’t common so keeping him in the fold makes sense from a recruiting and personnel standpoint and hiring an offensive coach just wouldn’t make sense as what Leach did there wouldn’t be replicated. And Arnett is young, active and a good recruiter and the timing with the portal and recruiting is key. This was smart even if he’s in over his head a bit.

Sep 10, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Zach Arnett against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.

3. Ryan Walters is in over his head.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Speaking of in over his head, Arnett is only 36 and the new Purdue coach, Walters, is only 36 as well. Prior to the portal and NIL, I might have said both coaches are too young to run major programs. But this is going to be more of the norm than ever before. Things are moving faster than they ever have in college football and youth will be served. Mainly it’s a massive advantage for guys not far removed from their playing days to lead organizations. Both Arnett and Walters played in the mid 2000s and while college football looked a lot different back then than it does now, it’s at least in the same ballpark. Coaches who last played ball in the 1980s are finding it harder and harder to relate to players these days. It can be done of course but you’re going to see younger hires more often. Trust me.