Corey Batoon's contract extended by Missouri
After just one year at the helm of the Missouri Tiger defense, defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has received a three-year contract extension.
“We’re building something special at Mizzou, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it,” Batoon said in a team statement. “This program is full of talented student-athletes and coaches who take pride in doing things the right way. I’m thankful to Coach (Eliah) Drinkwitz and the administration for their trust, and I look forward to continuing to elevate our standard of excellence on the defensive side of the ball.
Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz had discussed the likelihood of the extension during SEC Media Days.
Batoon’s took over the Tiger defense after the departure of Blake Baker following the 2023 season. And he improved on the run of success Missouri fans have gotten used to.
“Corey Batoon’s impact on our program and our ‘Death Row Defense’ in just one season has been tremendous,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s an incredible teacher and tactician and a relentless competitor. His leadership, preparation and ability to maximize our players’ potential helped us significantly on the defensive side in 2024. We’re proud to have him leading our defense as we continue to rasie the bar and compete for championships at Mizzou.”
The contract appears to increase Batoon’s compensation by $100,000 to $1.1 million for the year. Starting Feb. 1, 2026, his salary will increase to $1.2 million per year. The contract also came with a $100,000 signing bonus.
He will also receive a $100,000 bonus if he is still the DC on Feb. 1, 2026.
Improvements
The Tigers improved from 33rd and 47th in third-down conversion percentage allowed the previous two seasons, respectively, to fifth in the country in 2024.
Under Batoon’s leadership, Missouri also improved in a number of categories. In first-down defense they went from 36th in 2023 to fifth in 2024. In defensive touchdowns, it was a jump from 29th in 2023 to 12th in 2024. Total defense went from 33rd in 2023 to 17th in 2024. Passing yards allowed improved from 47th to 18th. Scoring defense jumped from 25th to 20th and fourth-down conversion percentage went from 121st to 43rd.
The Tiger defense held seven opponents to 21 points or less in 2024 and recorded at least one turnover in 10 games.
