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Eli Drinkwitz agrees to contract extension with Missouri

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax6 hours agoBarkleyTruax

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has agreed to a new contract with the school, he announced on social media. On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed that the new deal includes a raise for Drinkwitz, as well as an increased commitment to staff and salary pool.

The deal spans six years with average annual compensation of $10.75 million and was approved on Wednesday by unanimous vote of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. Drinkwitz released a statement on his extension, via release.

“My family and I believe deeply in the vision and leadership from our administration and are incredibly happy to continue calling Columbia our home,” Drinkwitz said. “I’m grateful for the unwavering support of President Mun Choi, the Board of Curators, led by Chair Todd Graves and incoming Vice Chair Bob Blitz, along with our athletics director Laird Veatch.

“We’re also incredibly thankful for the support of our generous donors and NIL partners. I’m committed to continuing our work to build Mizzou into a championship program.”

Drinkwitz’s extension comes at a time where several high-profile college football coaching openings are available. His name has been thrown into the hat for several jobs, but is now set to return to Missouri with his new contract running trough the 2031 season.

Over the past three seasons, Missouri has compiled a 28-9 record, including going 21-5 between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. It was the first time since 2013-14 that the Tigers had back-to-back 10-win seasons. In 2023, Drinkwitz was named SEC coach of the year for leading Missouri to an 11-2 finish.

“Under his vision and leadership, Coach Drinkwitz has transformed the standard for Mizzou Football and united our entire program and fan base behind a clear pursuit of excellence,” Missouri AD Laird Veatch said. “We’re thrilled he will continue leading our team into the future. This is an incredible time for our program: Our unprecedented 20-game home sellout streak speaks to our fans’ tremendous passion and commitment, while the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project reflects our growing and sustained investment in Mizzou Football.”

Veatch reiterated the critical importance of providing Drinkwitz with additional resources in Missouri’s attempt to develop a championship roster in the SEC. He said Drinkwitz’s new contract reflects the athletic department’s “commitment to further strengthening and enhancing those resources.”

Missouri is currently 7-4 overall this season and will look to finish the regular season off on a high note on Saturday on the road vs. Arkansas. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET live on the SEC Network.