This blog post details the career trajectory and impact of Eli Drinkwitz, the head football coach for the University of Missouri (Mizzou Tigers). It highlights his journey from a high school coach to a prominent figure in college football, emphasizing his strategic vision, coaching philosophy, and recent successes with the Mizzou program.
Table of Contents
- 1. Eli Drinkwitz’s Early Coaching Journey: Roots and Aspirations
- 2. Eli Drinkwitz’s Collegiate Coaching Ascent: Offensive Coordinator Roles and Success
- 3. Appalachian State and Mizzou Transformation
- 4. Coaching Philosophy: Culture, Strategy, and “Chase Two Dreams”
- 5. Eli Drinkwitz’s Contract Extension: Securing the Future of Mizzou Football
- 6. Eli Drinkwitz: A Transformative Legacy for Mizzou Football
Eli Drinkwitz’s Early Coaching Journey: Roots and Aspirations
- Birth: Eli Drinkwitz was born on April 12, 1983, in Norman, Oklahoma.
- Upbringing: He was raised in Alma, Arkansas, in a family with a strong football background.
- Father: His father, Jerry Drinkwitz, was a former all-conference running back and high school coach, who instilled Eli’s passion for the game.
- Education: His mother homeschooled him, providing a strong academic foundation.
- High School: Drinkwitz excelled at Alma High School, earning All-Conference and All-State honors.
- University: He attended Arkansas Tech University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in education in 2004.
He began his coaching journey as a volunteer assistant at Alma High School while pursuing his degree.
“From the sidelines of Alma High, a coaching phenom’s journey began, fueled by family legacy and an unwavering passion for the game.”
Eli Drinkwitz’s Collegiate Coaching Ascent: Offensive Coordinator Roles and Success
Drinkwitz’s college coaching career saw him progress through various roles and programs:
- Auburn (2010): Started as a quality control coach, part of the staff that won the BCS National Championship under Gene Chizik.
- Arkansas State: Served as running backs coach and later co-offensive coordinator under Gus Malzahn, focusing on run-dominant offenses.
- Boise State: Held positions as tight ends coach and then offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, contributing to a Mountain West title.
- NC State: For three seasons, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping the Wolfpack achieve back-to-back nine-win seasons.
His rapid progression through these prestigious programs underscored his innovative offensive mind and leadership potential, priming him for a head coaching role.
Appalachian State and Mizzou Transformation
- Appalachian State (2019): Landed his first head coaching position, leading the Mountaineers to a 12-1 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship in his single season.
- University of Missouri (December 2019): Hired as the head football coach for the Mizzou Tigers.
- Mizzou Turnaround:
- Guided the program to three double-digit win seasons.
- Achieved an 11-2 finish in 2023, culminating in a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.
- Recorded another 10-3 record in the 2024 season, with a Music City Bowl win.
- Secured consecutive 10-plus win seasons, a rare feat for the program.
- Accolades: Awarded the 2023 SEC Coach of the Year.
His immediate success at Appalachian State quickly caught the attention of major programs, solidifying his reputation as a transformative leader in the college football market.
Coaching Philosophy: Culture, Strategy, and “Chase Two Dreams”
- Offensive Strategy: Employs a “dominant downhill running game” combined with a “vertical passing game,” demanding precise execution. This “new-school” approach incorporates no-huddle attacks, shifts, motion, and pro-style concepts, influenced by mentors like Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin.
- Championship Culture: Fosters an “others-centered culture” through constant communication, accountability, and a balance of connection, encouragement, and challenge.
- “Chase Two Dreams” Mantra: Encourages players to pursue both their football talent and their college degree, emphasizing the lasting value of education.
- Program Building: His approach includes a “get it done” mentality crucial for navigating NIL and the transfer portal, highlighting his comprehensive focus on player development.
This comprehensive approach underpins Drinkwitz’s success, focusing equally on athletic performance, academic achievement, and robust program building and player development.
Eli Drinkwitz’s Contract Extension: Securing the Future of Mizzou Football
- Initial Contract Extension (Early 2024): Through 2028, valued at $46 million, with an annual salary of $9 million for 2024, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in the SEC.
- Second Contract Extension (July 2025): Secured his leadership through the 2029 season. This extension did not immediately raise his personal salary but increased the salary pool for his assistant coaches and support staff.
- Buyout Clause: Includes a substantial buyout clause if he leaves, reflecting his high market value.
- Performance Bonuses: Contract includes bonuses for achievements like winning SEC Coach of the Year or making a College Football Playoff appearance.
- Home Record: Boasts a strong home record of 27-7 since 2020, the best in program history for a coach with four-plus seasons.
These robust contract terms underscore the university’s commitment and Eli Drinkwitz’s value. The future of Mizzou football under Eli Drinkwitz remains exceptionally bright.
Eli Drinkwitz: A Transformative Legacy for Mizzou Football
Eli Drinkwitz has established himself as a transformative figure in college football. His journey from Alma, Arkansas, to leading the University of Missouri is marked by ambition, strategic evolution, and commitment. With consecutive 10-plus win seasons, an SEC Coach of the Year award, and multiple bowl victories, he has elevated the Mizzou Tigers and built a formidable championship culture that balances athletic prowess with academic excellence. His substantial contract extensions signal a long-term commitment to Columbia, promising a bright future for Mizzou football under his leadership.
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