Mississippi State and Zac Selmon have inked a new deal that will keep the Bulldog athletic director in Starkville.
Mississippi State University and Athletic Director Zac Selmon have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Starkville through 2029.
Under the terms of the new deal, Selmon’s annual salary will increase to $1.25 million, along with a $100,000 yearly milestone incentive for each completed year of the contract.
Selmon, who succeeded former AD John Cohen on January 13, 2023, has overseen significant changes during his tenure. Under his leadership, Mississippi State has experienced a notable rise in donor contributions and is on track to break fundraising records this year—highlighted by another seven-figure gift announced just this morning.
After the 2023 football season, Selmon hired Jeff Lebby to lead the Bulldogs’ football program. As Lebby prepares for his second season, the team is set to debut a revamped roster featuring the largest signing class in school history.
Mississippi State athletics has made strides across the board. This past winter, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams reached the NCAA Tournament. The soccer team captured its first-ever SEC title, and in 2024, the women’s golf team claimed its first SEC Tournament championship. Most recently, men’s tennis advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, while softball heads to Texas Tech for its 19th regional appearance in postseason play.
Selmon has also initiated a coaching search to replace Chris Lemonis at the helm of MSU baseball—a high-profile vacancy that has already attracted a strong group of candidates. Meanwhile, the Diamond Dawgs are playing a crucial series at Missouri, hoping to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Additionally, Selmon announced plans for the Billy W. Howard Performance Center, a $60 million football-exclusive indoor facility slated to open in 2028. A large portion of the funding will come from private donors.
Selmon and his wife, Rachel, are often seen supporting Bulldogs athletics alongside their two daughters. With this contract extension and the continued rise of Mississippi State’s athletic programs, it looks like the Selmon family will remain a prominent presence in Starkville for years to come.
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