News Summary
Mississippi State University has appointed Vincent Dancy as the new defensive line coach to revitalize its struggling defense. The Bulldogs finished the last season with only 10 sacks, ranking last in the SEC. Dancy brings experience from his previous coaching roles and will focus on increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team’s defensive strategy will also rely on key players like Branden Jennings, who played a crucial role last season. With strategic coaching hires and roster improvements, the Bulldogs aim to enhance their performance for the upcoming season.
Starkville, Mississippi –
In an effort to revitalize its struggling defense, Mississippi State University has appointed Vincent Dancy as the new defensive line coach. This move comes after a disappointing 2024 season where the Bulldogs managed only 10 sacks, ranking last in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in several defensive categories.
Dancy joins Mississippi State following a stint as head coach at Mississippi Valley State from 2018 to 2022. More recently, he spent two seasons working under NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders at Colorado, where he gained valuable insights that he plans to integrate into Mississippi State’s defensive strategy. The primary focus of Dancy’s approach will be to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a key element necessary for defensive success and creating turnover opportunities.
The Bulldogs’ defensive overhaul also hinges on the performance of key players such as Branden Jennings, a fifth-year senior who has been identified as an essential component of the team’s revival efforts. Jennings, a former four-star All-American, played in all 12 games last season and concluded the year with 56 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His previous experience at Maryland and UCF contributes to his role as the anchor of the defense, and Dancy recognizes Jennings’ productivity as vital for the season ahead.
The initial preseason practices for the 2025 season have revealed a clear focus on individual position drills and special teams, as well as competition for key spots. The No. 2 quarterback position will be contested behind returning starter Blake Shapen, who is coming back from a season-ending injury. Transfers Luke Kromenhoek and freshman Kamario Taylor are also in the mix for the quarterback role, with Taylor notably increasing his weight from 195 pounds upon arrival to 230 pounds, enhancing his physical readiness for the challenge.
The addition of Dancy to the coaching staff is viewed as crucial for addressing Mississippi State’s alarming sack totals and overall defensive performance. The team has also bolstered its roster through the transfer portal, introducing valuable new talents such as Will Whitson from Coastal Carolina, who recorded 63 tackles and 5.0 sacks last season. Further contributions are anticipated from Jalen Smith from Tennessee and Jahron Manning from Old Dominion, expected to bolster the linebacker and safety positions respectively.
Last season’s defensive struggles left Mississippi State ranked at the bottom of the SEC, prompting a comprehensive evaluation of both offensive and defensive strategies by head coach Jeff Lebby. As the Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 campaign, significant expectations are placed on the team to demonstrate marked improvement against a demanding schedule featuring top-tier opponents.
Mississippi State’s adherence to enhancing its defense through strategic coaching hires and player development signals a serious commitment to turning around their program. The 2025 season will be a critical test for the Bulldogs, as both the coaching staff and players work to rebuild a defense capable of competing at an elite level within the SEC.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Practice
- Hattiesburg American: Mississippi State Football Revenue Sharing
- Whole Hog Sports: SEC Football Team Previews
- Sports Illustrated: Coleman Hutzler Interview
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
