 In 1958, Arnold became head coach at Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah and enrolled in graduate school at the Brigham Young University College of Education, from which he earned a master's degree in education in 1960, then coached at BYU's laboratory school until 1962.In 1962, Arnold enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Oregon and became a graduate assistant on the Oregon Ducks basketball team.In 1963, Arnold returned to Pocatello High to be head coach.