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The latest step in a rapid career ascension, Eli Drinkwitz was named the new head coach of the Missouri Tigers on Sunday.
Taking over at Appalachian State in 2019 following Scott Satterfield’s departure for Louisville, Drinkwitz led the Mountaineers to a Sun Belt conference championship in his only season at the helm.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma and graduate of Arkansas Tech, he had also been linked to the then-vacant Arkansas Razorbacks job prior to agreeing to terms with Missouri.
Drinkwitz began his career with Alma High School (Arkansas) as an assistant coach in 2005. Receiving his first collegiate coaching position as a quality control coach with the Auburn Tigers in 2010, he returned to The Natural State as Arkansas State’s running backs coach in 2012.
The new Mizzou coach then headed west to join Boise State’s program as the Broncos’ tight ends coach in 2014. As was the case in Jonesboro, he was moved up to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the next season (2015).
Continuing Boise State’s history of success in the Mountain West Conference during his only year as Bryan Harsin’s coordinator, Drinkwitz came back east to take the same role on Dave Doeren’s staff at North Carolina State.
As with any hire, you have opinions on both ends of the spectrum, but here’s a look at what people are saying about Missouri’s decision:
https://twitter.com/Cruz_Buchanan_/status/1203833494725632001
I do NOT blame Eli Drinkwitz at all. SEC school comes calling — especially one in the Eastern Division — you answer the phone. But, LOL at Mizzou. Eli has been a head coach for ONE YEAR.
— Adam Gold (@AGoldFan) December 9, 2019
Eli Drinkwitz has played the game like a violin. His career progression is a sight to behold. The man went from head coach in middle school to SEC head coach in around 15 years.
— Rob McLamb (@RobMcLamb) December 9, 2019
Eli Drinkwitz to #Mizzou. PROS: Offensive-minded, head-coaching experience. CONS: Literally the guy I name-checked w/ @LockedOnMizzou talking about biting hard on guys who have one hot year. https://t.co/saufMzxqb8
— Pat Lynch (@patlynchsports) December 9, 2019
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Teddy Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. In addition to his work here, he has covered the Michigan Wolverines for GBMWolverine and Wolverine Digest. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.
