Missouri is officially in the market for a new offensive coordinator after Kirby Moore accepted the head coaching job at Washington State. Moore’s departure marks a big shift for a Tigers program that’s been trending upward, and now head coach Eli Drinkwitz is tasked with filling a critical role on his staff-one that could shape the trajectory of Missouri’s offense in the unforgiving landscape of the SEC.
Naturally, the rumor mill has kicked into high gear. Big names and bold ideas are flying around-some with serious weight, others more rooted in nostalgia than coaching credentials.
Among the more intriguing suggestions? Former Mizzou star quarterback Chase Daniel.
Daniel, who threw for over 12,000 yards and 100 touchdowns during his time in Columbia, is a name that still resonates with Tigers fans. After a 14-year NFL career as one of the league’s most respected backup quarterbacks, Daniel transitioned into broadcasting following his retirement in 2023.
But when fans started floating his name for the OC job, Daniel didn’t ignore it. He responded with a cryptic 👀 emoji on social media-just enough to get people talking.
So, could Daniel be a real candidate for Missouri’s offensive coordinator role?
Let’s break it down.
There’s no question Daniel is a beloved figure in Mizzou history. He helped elevate the program during his playing days and went on to carve out a long, successful pro career as a cerebral, high-IQ quarterback.
His understanding of the game is well-documented. But coaching?
That’s a different beast entirely.
Daniel has never coached at the college or professional level. That lack of experience is a serious consideration-especially in the SEC, where offensive coordinators aren’t just calling plays; they’re managing quarterback development, overseeing game planning, and recruiting against some of the nation’s top programs. It’s a high-pressure job that demands not just football knowledge, but coaching chops, leadership, and an ability to thrive in the grind of the college football calendar.
Would Daniel be in the mix for this position if he weren’t a Missouri legend? That’s the key question.
Right now, the answer leans toward no. Drinkwitz is likely to prioritize candidates with proven coaching experience-whether that’s an up-and-coming coordinator from another program, a seasoned veteran with play-calling credentials, or even someone already on staff who knows the system inside and out.
That said, Daniel’s interest-however subtle-does raise an interesting possibility. While he may not be ready to take the reins as OC, could there be a role for him on the staff in another capacity?
Perhaps a position coach or analyst role, where he could begin to build coaching experience under Drinkwitz’s guidance. That’s a more realistic path, and one that could benefit both Daniel and the program if he’s serious about making the transition from the broadcast booth to the sideline.
For now, Mizzou’s focus will be on finding the right fit to keep the offense humming in a conference where innovation and execution are non-negotiable. Whether that leads to a splashy external hire or a promotion from within, Drinkwitz’s decision will be one of the most important of the offseason.
As for Chase Daniel? The 👀 emoji says he’s watching. So are we.