Missouri officially announces hire of Miami's Derek Nicholson as linebackers coach

On Thursday, Missouri officially announced it has hired former Miami linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Derek Nicholson to serve as the Tigers’ linebackers coach. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is excited about the addition.

“Derek brings a wealth of experience with him both as a coach, coordinator and former NFL player,” Drinkwitz said. “What stood out to us was his energy and passion for the game and his proven ability to develop high-level talent.

“We believe he’ll be a perfect fit to help mentor our ‘Death Row Defense’ as we continue to take these next steps forward as a program. We could not be more excited to welcome Derek, Onnie and their entire family to Columbia”

Nicholson spent two seasons with the Hurricanes. In 2023, he served as just the team’s linebackers coach but was promoted to co-defensive coordinator this past season.

Miami’s defense improved significantly in Nicholson’s two years with the program. In 2022, the team allowed 375 yards per game, ranking 65th in the country. In 2024, the Hurricanes only gave up 327.2 yards per game, the 27th-least in the nation.

Nicholson was instrumental in the growth of two-time Second Team All-ACC linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who led the Hurricanes in tackles (82 and 96) and tackles for loss (18.0 and 11.0) in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Before joining Miami, Nicholson spent three seasons at Louisville, where he coached linebackers. While there, Nicholson mentored two-time All-ACC linebacker and 2022 Third Team All-American Yasir Abdullah, who closed his career ranking second all-time in program history in tackles for loss (43.0) and eighth in sacks (23.5).

Nicholson has collegiate coaching experience at Southern Miss, Alcorn State and Akron. As a player, Nicholson was a three-year starter at Florida State and played one season for the Atlanta Falcons before sustaining a career-ending injury.

Derek Nicholson is ecstatic to bring his wealth of football knowledge to the Tigers.

“I appreciate and respect the culture Coach Drinkwitz has built at Mizzou and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to join his staff,” Nicholson said. “I think we align in a lot of ways in how we want to lead these young men and I’m excited to get started working with the staff and student-athletes as we strive for success, on and off the field. My family and I can’t wait to get to Columbia.”