Late Sunday night, FootballScoop.com reported that the Missouri Tigers defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski had been offered a co-defensive coordinator job on Tim Beckman’s Illinois staff. The report also said that he was expected to accept the job, but on Monday, Kuligowski announced he was staying at Missouri.
"“As a coach, you’re always looking to advance yourself professionally in hopes of someday having a chance to become a head coach. It was important for me and my family to consider this opportunity, and I’m grateful to have gone through the experience, but after evaluating everything, what is best for us is to stay here at Mizzou. We’ve built something special here at Mizzou, and I’m excited to continue to be part of it” he said in a official statement."
It was rumored that Kuligowski would entertain offers after he was passed over for Missouri’s defensive coordinator position that was filled by Memphis’ Barry Odom. Odom was hired to replace Dave Steckel, who took the head coaching job at Missouri State.
Beckman trying to hire Kuligowksi away from Mizzou might be viewed as retaliation to Gary Pinkel. Over the summer, Illini offensive line coach A.J. Ricker left for Missouri to the same position.
However it should be no surprise Illinois wanted Kuligowski. Illinois’ defense has not been very good the past couple of years and was ranked near the bottom of the FBS at 109th overall this past year.
Over the past two years the Missouri Tigers defensive line has 75 sacks, compared to Illinois’ 12.5 in that span.
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) and defensive lineman Harold Brantley (90) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Also, until Monday afternoon, the Illini had zero d-linemen commits. Craig Kuligowski has the credentials to sell just about any defensive lineman to buy into his system, have a lot of success, and get to the next level.
He was recently named the FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year, and has produced seven All-Conference d-linemen and three first-round draft picks, with a fourth likely coming this year in Shane Ray.
His success has brought the hashtag #DLineZOU to life. The hashtag has been tweeted by former Mizzou players, current Mizzou players, and d-line Mizzou targets.
Missouri Tigers
Kuligowski has been on Pinkel’s staff for the past 23 years, dating back all the way back to when Pinkel was the head coach at Toledo.
This comes as a huge relief to Missouri fans as National Signing Day is less than 10 days away. If Kuligowski left, several recruits that are committed or they’re still recruiting could shut the door on the Tigers.
Though he wasn’t the lead recruiter but had Kuligowski bolted, the coaching staff would have a tougher time selling top-ranked defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. out of East St. Louis to come to Missouri.
As all the fans in Columbia now start to catch their breath, they can now turn their attention to National Signing Day on Feburary 4th. Gary Pinkel is certainly glad to have Kuligowski on his side for the final eight days of recruiting.