Missouri football is undergoing a notable staff shakeup, with four key members leaving the program to join former offensive coordinator Kirby Moore at Washington State. The most impactful departure? Brad Larrondo, the CEO and general manager of Every True Tiger Brands - Mizzou’s in-house NIL operation and a central figure in the Tigers’ modern recruiting and retention strategy.
Larrondo’s move to Pullman is more than just a personnel shift - it’s a significant change in how Missouri navigates the ever-evolving NIL landscape. A Boise State alum with deep ties to the region, Larrondo will now take on a role at Washington State, reconnecting with Moore and bringing his NIL expertise to a new program. His departure leaves a void in Columbia, especially with the transfer portal about to open and roster management entering its most volatile stretch.
Larrondo wasn’t just a figurehead for NIL. He helped build and operate the infrastructure behind Missouri’s current system - from negotiating third-party deals and revenue-sharing arrangements to ensuring compliance with spending limits.
Every True Tiger Brands, under his leadership, became a vital tool in both retaining current talent and attracting new players. The agency also served as a marketing engine, helping athletes land endorsement deals and build their brands.
Eli Drinkwitz, who originally brought Larrondo on board after their shared stints at Auburn and Boise State, acknowledged the move on social media. His message was clear: appreciation for Larrondo’s contributions, but confidence in the foundation already in place.
“Good luck to Brad and thank you for all he did, but MIZZOU NIL was started way before Brad, and is a STRONG POSITION! Carry on!” Drinkwitz posted on Wednesday.
The timing of this transition is critical. The transfer portal officially opens on January 2 and will remain open through January 16.
That window is when programs across the country scramble to keep their rosters intact while also hunting for upgrades. Larrondo would have been at the center of that effort for Missouri.
But Larrondo isn’t the only staffer following Moore to Washington State. Tight ends coach Derham Cato is heading west to take on the same role with the Cougars.
Cato had been with Missouri for three seasons and was a steady presence in a position group that’s seen its share of development. His departure marks the only assistant position Missouri is actively looking to fill at the moment.
Also leaving is Jack Abercrombie, who served as Missouri’s assistant offensive line coach. He’ll now step into a lead O-line coaching role under Moore. And rounding out the group is Malcolm Hardmon, the Tigers’ assistant director of football athletic performance, who will take over strength and conditioning duties at Washington State.
Drinkwitz had hinted earlier this month that more exits could be on the horizon as Moore built out his new staff in Pullman. On December 16, he acknowledged that some analysts and assistants might follow Moore, but emphasized that the overall program structure at Missouri remains intact.
“Could lose a couple more people off of our staff from analyst roles as coach Moore finalizes and puts his staff together,” Drinkwitz said at the time. “It shouldn't change the dynamic of what we do at all."
And while Missouri hasn’t named a new general manager - a role Larrondo essentially filled in practice - the program has spread that responsibility across multiple staffers, with Drinkwitz himself playing a central role in roster and NIL strategy.
To help stabilize the staff amid these changes, Missouri has made two significant hires. Chip Lindsey, formerly at Michigan, has been brought on as the new offensive coordinator.
He brings experience and a fresh perspective to the Tigers’ offense. Additionally, Jack Breske has joined the program from Tennessee as the new president of player personnel and recruiting - a key role in shaping the future of the roster.
Missouri’s coaching and support staff is clearly in a period of transition, but with a boosted salary pool - $4 million in additional funds as part of Drinkwitz’s recent contract extension - the Tigers have the resources to reload quickly. The challenge now is maintaining momentum on the field and in the portal, as the offseason chessboard starts to take shape.