Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz Breaks Silence: What His New Contract Really Means for the Team’s Future

So here we go again—the college football coaching carousel is spinning like a whirlwind on a fall afternoon, and just when you think you’ve got a grip on the madness, a new twist lands. James Franklin’s settled into Virginia Tech, Lane Kiffin’s name keeps popping up like a pesky gopher at LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss, but the real shocker? Eli Drinkwitz isn’t jumping ship after all. Nope, he’s sticking with Missouri, and not just sticking—he’s locking in a shiny new contract that’s got tongues wagging. You’ve got to wonder—what makes a coach stay put when the rumor mill’s churning at full throttle? Is it loyalty, ambition—or just one heck of an offer? With a fresh paycheck north of $10.7 million on average and a boosted commitment to staff… it looks like Missouri’s rolling out the red carpet. And considering what Drinkwitz’s done—turning heads since Appalachian State and securing big bowl wins—this feels more like a love story than a goodbye. So as the coaching carousel whirls faster than ever, Missouri fans can breathe a little easier for now. Why stop now, right? LEARN MORE

The college football coaching carousel is beginning to spin rapidly. James Franklin was hired at Virginia Tech, and Lane Kiffin has been involved in rumors at LSU, Florida and Ole Miss. Now, a big domino has dropped with Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz. While his name was also discussed in other rumors, he is staying at Missouri with a shiny new contract.

Reports swirled on Wednesday that Drinkwitz was nearing a raise with Missouri, and everything came to a finality on Thanksgiving morning.

On Thursday, it became official with Drinkwitz and Missouri finalizing a new contract to keep him, per Pete Thamel of ESPN.

“Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz has agreed to a new contract with the school, he announced. Per ESPN sources, there’s an increase in salary for Drinkwitz to an average of more than $10.7 million over the deal and an increased commitment to staff and salary pool.”

Drinkwitz had a message for the fans after the news surfaced.

“My family and I are thankful to be ⁦ @Mizzou⁩. The support from our President, the Board of Curators, AD, boosters and fans is special! Why Stop Now!!! ”

Drinkwitz began his head coaching career at Appalachian State in 2019 and went 12-1.

That immediately made him a candidate for other jobs, and he came to Missouri in 2020. Now, he has a combined record of 45-28 at Missouri with bowl game wins in the Cotton Bowl and Music City Bowl the past two seasons.

Missouri is 7-4 entering the final regular season game, and the losses came to Alabama, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, all four of which have been ranked for the majority of the season.

So, despite his name being in rumors, those talks can be put to bed as he stays in Missouri.

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