Eli Drinkwitz explains how he will remain involved after giving up play-calling duties

Kirby Moore is in Columbia, recently being hired as the Mizzou offensive coordinator. He is expected to take over play-calling duties after head coach Eli Drinkwitz decided to move off the job. Drinkwitz blamed himself for the team’s offensive struggles last season and decided somebody new was needed in the program.

When head coaches give up play calling, one of the first questions will be how their approaches change. Instead of personally working up the game plan leading into the game, you are the secondary person. And then during the game itself, instead of calling plays into the quarterback, you are listening through the headset.

All of that goes away for Drinkwitz with Moore officially taking over.

Drinkwitz is going to be just fine, staying involved in Mizzou’s offensive game planning. He also plans on dipping his toe in the other two phases of the game, working with Blake Baker‘s defense and then having the defensive coordinator join him on special teams.

“I plan on being involved on the offensive side of things,” Drinkwitz said via Andy Staples On3. “As well as the defensive side. I have a general awareness of everything that is going on. Added, Blake Baker and I are going to be in charge of the kickoff units this year just to add more emphasis there. So, I’m sure I will find something to keep myself busy.”

Drinkwitz has a background in calling plays. He first became an offensive coordinator at Arkansas State in 2013 under Bryan Harsin. Fast forward two years at Boise State and Drinkwitz was back in the OC role under Harsin and called plays there and again at North Carolina State.

When he was named the Appalachian State head coach, he continued the job for a season before coming to Mizzou. Now, his time is up as the play caller and Moore is going to be taking over. Sometimes, it just runs out of juice but at least Drinkwitz had the self-awareness to make the call.

Moore will make his debut with the Tigers on Sept. 2, with South Dakota coming to town. Missouri is not expected to have too much trouble in the season opener and Week 3 is when the real challenge presents itself.

The reigning Big 12 Champions, Kansas State, will head to Columbia for a nonconference showdown. A massive game for Moore, Drinkwitz, and everyone involved with the program.