Mississippi State football hires Will Friend, former Auburn offensive line coach

Throughout his introductory press convention as Mississippi State soccer coach, which got here on Dec. 21 after the early signing interval opened, Zach Arnett mentioned recruiting throughout the state was a precedence.

He has adopted by way of on that with latest hires. Former MSU nice and Tupelo native Chad Bumphis was employed as extensive receivers coach on Wednesday. A number of hours earlier, longtime Mississippi highschool coach Brad Peterson was employed in a task just like chief of workers.

Arnett continued with the development of hiring coaches with ties to Mississippi on Friday. Will Pal, a former Auburn offensive line coach, has been employed in an unspecified function, MSU introduced. Per 247Sports, he’s anticipated to take offensive line duties from Mason Miller whose standing with the staff hasn’t been specified by MSU.

Pal is a local of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and attended Neshoba Central Excessive.

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Miller who has coached MSU’s offensive line since 2020 after Mike Leach, who died on Dec. 12, employed him. Miller spent two seasons with Leach at Washington State earlier than coming to Starkville.

Pal spent the final two seasons at Auburn beneath Bryan Harsin who was fired in October. Previous to his stint with the Tigers, Pal spent three seasons teaching at Tennessee.

The hiring of Pal comes amidst rumors that Georgia offensive analyst Mike Bobo is a candidate for MSU’s offensive coordinator spot. Bobo beforehand served as UGA’s offensive coordinator (2007-2014) whereas Pal coached the offensive line (2011-2014). When Bobo was employed as Colorado State’s head coach (2015-2019), he introduced Pal alongside. Pal served as his offensive coordinator by way of 2017 earlier than leaving for Tennessee.

The 2 overlapped once more at Auburn throughout Bobo’s lone season as Harsin’s offensive coordinator in 2021.

Pal graduated from Alabama in 1998 the place he performed soccer. Throughout his highschool taking part in days, Pal was a Parade Journal All-America choice his senior yr.

Will Pal is the son of Chuck Pal, a 2014 Mississippi Affiliation of Coaches Corridor of Fame inductee and former Starkville Excessive Faculty coach.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or comply with him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.