Zac Selmon (left) and Kevin Barbay (right)
Selmon takes over MSU’s Athletic Department. Barbay named Arnett’s new OC/QB Coach.
Mississippi State President Mark Keenum and MSU Athletics held a press conference on Friday to announce the hiring of its new Athletic Director – Zac Selmon – following a national search.
Selmon comes to the Magnolia State from Oklahoma where he was the deputy athletics director for external engagement and advancement for the University of Oklahoma.
According to Mississippi State, Selmon provided sport oversight for football and led strategic communications, marketing, licensing, multi-media rights, brand management and fan engagement. In his previous five-year position as senior associate athletics director for administration and development, Selmon led the fundraising strategy for OU Athletics’ $200 million capital campaign, setting annual giving records in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, philanthropic giving reached its highest in university athletics history.
Interim Athletics Director Bracky Brett will continue on as executive senior athletics director for compliance.
Selmon replaces John Cohen as the MSU AD after Cohen resigned to become the AD at Auburn in Alabama.
MSU President Keenum said Selmon’s “servant’s heart” and his relevant Power Five athletics administration experience were “key components” in his appointment.
“Zac’s experience as a successful student-athlete at Wake Forest is an important component as is his relevant athletics administration experience,” Keenum said. “But I think my focus during the interview process was how seamlessly Zac’s values of family, faith and character align with those of Mississippi State University.”
Selmon was a four-year starter at tight end for the Demon Deacons.
Mississippi State also announced another key hire this week. New Head Football Coach Zac Arnett has named Kevin Barbay as the team’s Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach.
Arnett, who replaced former Head Coach Mike Leach after his death, is building his new-look staff. The top Bulldog notes that Barbay is one of the most innovative young offensive minds in college football today.
Barbay comes to MSU from Appalachian State where he served in the same role. His previous coaching stints include Central Michigan, Stephen F. Austin, and Florida, among others.
Mississippi State says Barbay ranks No. 1 among active FBS offensive coordinators in career average pass game efficiency, according to Matrix Analytical. He was one of just two Group of Five play callers in 2022 to produce an Explosive Pass Rate Percentage above 19 percent with a top 35 scoring efficiency offense.
Frank Corder
