Mizzou Extends Coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s Contract Through 2028 Season
Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Tigers have rewarded coach Eliah Drinkwitz with a contract extension through the 2028 season.
Drinkwitz led the Tigers to an impressive 11-2 record and a victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
The extension, approved by the Missouri Board of Curators, includes a salary increase for Drinkwitz. However, the exact financial details have not been announced yet.
Drinkwitz, who was hired in 2020 after a successful season at Appalachian State, faced initial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, he guided the Tigers to three straight .500 regular seasons and two bowl game appearances.
This season, Drinkwitz’s coaching prowess paid off as the Tigers exceeded expectations. Picked to finish in the middle of the SEC, they only suffered losses against Georgia and LSU. Notably, they secured victories against rival Kansas State, as well as Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and Arkansas.
In a statement, Drinkwitz expressed his gratitude towards the players, coaches, staff, and the passionate fan base for their contributions to building a championship program. He acknowledged the continued investment and support from the administration, alumni, and donors.
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Drinkwitz was recognized as The Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year and finished third in voting for the national award.
The Tigers defied the odds in the Cotton Bowl, emerging victorious against Ohio State, which narrowly missed out on a College Football Playoff spot. They rallied in the fourth quarter to seal a 14-3 win and cap off a remarkable season.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are poised for success next year as the playoff field expands to 12 teams. With key players like quarterback Brady Cook and standout wide receiver Luther Burden III expected to return, along with the addition of top recruit Williams Nwaneri, the Tigers have high hopes for a playoff run.
Mizzou Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois praised Coach Drinkwitz and his staff’s remarkable work in building a championship culture. She emphasized the importance of continuity, maximizing student-athlete potential, and recruiting future talent to sustain the program’s momentum.
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