On Thanksgiving morning, Missouri football didn’t just serve up turkey-it locked in its future. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz, now six seasons deep into his Mizzou tenure, has signed on for six more. That’s a major statement from both the university and the coach, signaling long-term stability for a program that’s been steadily climbing under his leadership.
Let’s break down what this means for the Tigers, both now and in the years ahead.
A Coach Who’s Built Something-and Isn’t Done Yet
Drinkwitz arrived in Columbia after a one-year head coaching stint at Appalachian State, with previous stops at Auburn, Arkansas State, Boise State, and NC State. Since taking over at Missouri, he’s compiled a 46-28 overall record, including a 26-24 mark in the SEC.
But the real story is what’s happened lately: a 29-9 run over the past three seasons, highlighted by bowl wins over Ohio State and Iowa. That’s not just progress-it’s momentum.
The Tigers are currently ranked No. 25 in the AP poll and still have one more game to play. Their bowl destination will be announced on Sunday, but regardless of the opponent, the program is clearly trending up.
SEC Staying Power
With this new deal, Drinkwitz becomes the second-longest tenured head coach in the SEC, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart. In a conference where coaching turnover is practically an annual tradition, six seasons-and now a guaranteed seventh-is no small feat. It speaks to the trust Missouri’s administration has in Drinkwitz and the culture he’s built.
This extension also means Missouri is out of the head coaching carousel this cycle. Potential candidates like Alex Golesh (now at Auburn), Eric Morris (Oklahoma State), Charles Huff, and Willie Fritz are no longer part of the conversation-because Missouri already has its guy.
A Hot Commodity Who Chose to Stay
Drinkwitz’s name had been floating around in coaching circles over the past few weeks. Reports linked him to interest from Penn State, Auburn, LSU, and Florida, with whispers of Ole Miss potentially entering the mix.
There were even sightings of a certain LSU booster’s plane in Columbia. But Drinkwitz made his decision before any of that speculation could turn into something real.
That’s a big win for Missouri. In an era where coaches are constantly on the move and loyalty is often fleeting, Drinkwitz recommitting to Mizzou sends a powerful message-to recruits, to fans, and to the rest of the SEC.
The Numbers Behind the Deal
Drinkwitz’s new contract comes with a hefty price tag: an average of $10.75 million per year over the next six seasons. That puts him among the higher-paid coaches in college football, and it reflects the investment Missouri is making in its football future.
Details on the assistant coaching pool haven’t been released yet, but those numbers will be telling once they’re public. Retaining top staff-and attracting new talent-will be key to sustaining this trajectory.
Recruiting and Roster Outlook
The Tigers currently sit at No. 25 nationally in recruiting and No. 11 in the SEC. With 21 players already committed and the early signing period opening Wednesday, Drinkwitz’s continued presence gives Missouri a strong pitch to recruits: stability, vision, and proven results.
But recruiting isn’t just about high schoolers anymore. The transfer portal opens January 2-16, and that window will be crucial.
Whether it’s adding key pieces or retaining current talent, Missouri’s staff will need to be proactive. With Drinkwitz locked in, the Tigers are in a better position to navigate the chaos of modern roster management.
A Unified Push from the Top
This commitment wasn’t just about one man’s decision. Missouri’s leadership-athletic director Laird Veatch, university president Mun Choi, the Board of Curators, and the school’s NIL donors-played a major role in keeping Drinkwitz in Columbia. That kind of alignment from the top down is rare, and it’s a sign that the entire institution is all-in on building a consistent winner.
What Comes Next
With Drinkwitz at the helm through at least 2031, Missouri now has a clear identity and direction. The Tigers are no longer just trying to keep up in the SEC-they’re building something sustainable.
There’s still work to do, of course. Missouri finished 4-4 in conference play this season, tied for 8th in the SEC.
But with a top-25 ranking, a bowl game on the horizon, and a coach who’s proven he can win, the foundation is solid.
The Tigers aren’t just holding onto their guy-they’re betting big on him. And right now, that bet looks like a smart one.