Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz joined college football’s $10 million club with a six-year contract extension through the 2031 season.
The deal with the Tigers removes Drinkwitz from the offseason coaching carousel and was confirmed by the University of Missouri Board of Curators after unanimous approval Wednesday night. His annual salary will average $10.75 million.
“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, 42, 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 was hired in 2019 after one season at Appalachian State. Missouri won 11 games in 2023 and was 10-3 last season after the Tigers had a 17-19 record in his first three seasons in Columbia.
The Tigers are 7-4 (3-4 SEC) this season, with three of their losses to ranked Southeastern Conference opponents (Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M) still alive in the CFP playoff picture.
Missouri needs two more wins this season to hit 30 over the past three seasons. The Tigers are 33-9 at home under Drinkwitz but finish the regular season o the road Saturday against Arkansas (2-9, 0-7).
His success sparked interest from SEC programs with openings. He was rumored to be on the radar of Florida and LSU, programs with existing vacancies thought to both be prioritizing Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.
“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,” 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.
“It’s also critically important that we continue providing Coach Drinkwitz with the resources necessary to build and develop championship rosters in the Southeastern Conference. This new contract reflects our commitment to further strengthening and enhancing those resources. Our ‘Will to Win’ is clear – we’re fully aligned behind Coach Drinkwitz and eager to keep building with him as he leads this program forward in the pursuit of championships.”
–Field Level Media
