Missouri extends coach Eli Drinkwitz’s contract by way of 2029

Missouri soccer coach Eliah Drinkwitz has obtained a contract extension by way of the 2029 season, the varsity introduced Thursday, additional securing the 42-year-old’s future with this system because the Tigers put together to chase a 3rd consecutive double-digit win season this fall.

Drinkwitz had the seventh-highest pay among the many SEC’s coaches in 2024, incomes $9 million below his earlier contract, which was set to run out after the 2028 marketing campaign. The newest extension, authorized by the University of Missouri board of curators, contains an elevated wage pool for assistant coaches, power and conditioning employees, and assist personnel.

The former Appalachian State coach and Arkansas State, Boise State and NC State offensive coordinator has gone 38-24 in six seasons since taking on at Missouri in December 2019. His new contract comes on the heels of his two most profitable seasons answerable for the Tigers, who’re 21-5 because the begin of the 2023 marketing campaign.

Behind quarterback Brady Cook and two-time All-SEC playmaker Luther Burden, Drinkwitz led Missouri to an 11-2 end in 2023, highlighted by regular-season wins over Kansas State, Tennessee and Florida and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. The Tigers went 10-3 final 12 months, clinching back-to-back 10-win seasons for under the third time in program historical past and shutting at No. 22 within the ultimate Associated Press Top 25.

“The consistent progress we’ve seen under Coach Drinkwitz’s leadership is inspiring,” Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch mentioned in a press release. “This extension, along with increased investment in our coaching and support staff, reflects our commitment to sustaining success at the highest level. It’s all part of our ‘Will to Win’ — a clear statement that we’re building championship programs.”

In place to as soon as once more contend within the higher half of the SEC in 2025, Missouri has holes to fill on its roster this fall with Cook, Burden and offensive deal with Armand Membou — the No. 7 choice within the 2025 NFL draft — among the many main departures from a 12 months in the past.

Penn State switch quarterback Beau Pribula, who beforehand backed up Nittany Lions starter Drew Allar, was one of many Tigers’ high switch additions throughout the offseason. Pribula is about to battle redshirt junior Sam Horn for the beginning job in 2025.

Veteran transfers Keagen Trost (Wake Forest) and Jaylen Early (Florida State) stand among the many almost certainly candidates to exchange Membou on the best facet of the offensive line. On protection, switch additions together with linebacker Josiah Trotter (West Virginia) and security Jalen Catalon (Arkansas) have bolstered a Tigers unit that completed Twentieth within the nation in factors allowed per sport (20.4) in 2024.

“I think we have the best collection of talent,” Drinkwitz advised ESPN earlier this month. “But until you identify who that quarterback is and that left tackle position, I think there’s too many questions to be answered there.”

Last 12 months’s beginning left deal with, Marcus Bryant, graduated.

Missouri is about to face the nation’s Twentieth-toughest schedule this fall, in accordance with ESPN’s College Football Power Index. The Tigers had been chosen to complete twelfth within the SEC preseason media ballot, forward of solely Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi State.

Missouri opens its 2025 season Aug. 28 in opposition to Central Arkansas earlier than internet hosting longtime rival Kansas on Sept. 6 within the first assembly between the varsity’s soccer applications since 2011.