Missouri announces contract extension for Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz through 2028

Missouri has signed head football coach Eli Drinkwitz to a contract extension following the triumphant 11-2 season in 2023 which ended with a 14-3 Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

Here was the news as relayed by the Mizzou Athletics website:

“The University of Missouri Board of Curators approved a contract extension for head football coach Eliah Drinkwitz through the 2028 season, Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois announced today.”

The article announcing the extension also provided a statement from Coach Drinkwitz himself:

“My family and I want to thank the Board of Curators, President Choi, and Desireé Reed-Francois for their faith in me as the head coach. You can’t do this alone, and our players, coaches and staff have worked tirelessly and believed in the process of building a championship program.

“The passion of our fan base, alumni and donors is awesome, and we are proud to represent them. We are extremely grateful for the resources they provide and the continued investment from our administration in Mizzou Football. All of it has allowed us to get to where we are. Why stop now!”

Additionally, you can view statements from Reed-Francois and school president Mun Choi. Starting with the AD:

“With Coach Drinkwitz’s innovative leadership, Mizzou Football has taken major steps to become a championship contender on college football’s national stage,” Reed-Francois said.

“Coach Drinkwitz and his staff have done a tremendous job in this modern era of intercollegiate athletics. Continuity is important in implementing a championship culture, maximizing student-athlete potential and recruiting future Tigers. Our program is positioned to continue our momentum into the future. I want to thank our fans and our entire state for the powerful support they’ve shown our team during this magical season and cannot wait to see them back at Faurot in 2024.”

From Choi:

“Mizzou Football and Mizzou Athletics are on the rise, and it is crucial for the university that we sustain our success on a national level and build on the momentum that Coach Drinkwitz, his staff and Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois have captured.”

“The incredible 2023 season and the Cotton Bowl victory reflect the excellence that Coach Drinkwitz and our athletics department have created for our university and the state. We will continue to invest in the future of Mizzou Football and Mizzou Athletics. This is an investment for Missouri and Missourians.”

In light of the season and this extension, how could Mizzou fans not be excited about the future.