Missouri Secures Coach Eliah Drinkwitz with New $10.75 Million Deal

The University of Missouri has finalized a new six-year contract with head football coach Eliah Drinkwitz, who will receive an average annual compensation of $10.75 million. The agreement, announced on Thursday, reflects Missouri’s commitment to retaining one of college football’s top coaches as he continues to lead the Tigers toward success.

In a post on social media earlier that day, Drinkwitz expressed his gratitude towards key figures at the university, including school president Mun Choi, athletic director Laird Veatch, and the board of curators. He tweeted, “Why stop now!!” which signals his enthusiasm for the new contract.

Vision for Success

In an official statement, Drinkwitz elaborated on his commitment to the program, stating, “My family and I believe deeply in the vision and leadership from our administration and are incredibly happy to continue calling Columbia our home.” He acknowledged the support of university leaders and expressed appreciation for the contributions of donors and NIL partners. Drinkwitz emphasized his goal of building Missouri into a championship-caliber program.

This contract extension positions Drinkwitz among the highest-paid coaches in college football. His base salary is set to rise to $10.25 million in 2026, up from $9 million in 2025. This decision follows a trend among universities like Indiana, SMU, and Nebraska, which have also moved to secure their coaching talent amid increased interest from other programs.

Record of Achievement

Under Drinkwitz’s leadership, Missouri has experienced significant success, achieving back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2023 and 2024. The program has qualified for its sixth consecutive bowl game, with the Tigers reaching as high as No. 8 in the Associated Press poll in 2023 and No. 6 in 2024. As of now, the team is ranked No. 14.

Drinkwitz’s tenure has also included notable victories against powerhouse teams such as Ohio State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, and LSU. His overall record stands at 45-28 over six seasons, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level.

This season, Missouri holds a 7-4 record, with all four losses coming against teams ranked in the Top 10 at the time of competition. The new contract solidifies Drinkwitz’s position at Missouri, reinforcing the university’s ambition to compete among the elite in college football.