Top notes from Eli Drinkwitz’s Mizzou football press conference

The Nutcracker, shooting to the moon, and everything else Eli Drinkwitz said as he was named the new Mizzou football coach in his introductory press conference.

Mizzou football officially hired a new coach at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning when the UM System Board of Curators unanimously approved a six-year, $24 million contract for Eliah Drinkwitz to be the new head coach of the Missouri Tigers.

The Tigers hosted a public introductory press conference for their new coach at the South End Zone Tuesday morning, and plenty of players, former players, staff and alumni showed up to take in the new man in charge.

Athletic director Jim Sterk has won over most of the Tigers fanbase with the hire of Drinkwitz. He was 12-1 at Appalachian State this past season and brings new energy to Mizzou football, something the Tigers need moving forward. At Tuesday’s presser, Mizzou was able to hear Drinkwitz speak for the first time as the Tigers new coach.

Here’s some important notes from the introductory press conference:

Drinkwitz will be the offensive coordinator: Drinkwitz said his style on offense will operate out of a no huddle, and he will be the play-caller.

Special teams coordinator: Drinkwitz said he will hire a full-time special teams coordinator. He said special teams will be the heartbeat of his program.

Filling out the rest of his staff: Drinkwitz said he will take the next few days to fill out his coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was one of the people attending his press conference.

First idea of coming to Mizzou: He said when the job came open, Drinkwitz thought it was intriguing. But he didn’t spend much time thinking about it as Appalachian State had to prepare for a conference championship last week.

The Nutcracker and the Hampton Inn: After he won the Sun Belt championship, Drinkwitz attended “The Nutcracker”. Mizzou officials wanted to meet with him that night, so he had to sneak out of the holiday play to meet at a Hampton In. And that’s where it started.

Expectations for 2020:  Drinkwitz — “I don’t live in realistic expectations. I shoot for the moon.”

The perfect QB for Drinkwitz: The new coach said he looks for five characteristics in a quarterback — toughness, preparation, decision-making, accuracy and leadership. “Those five requirements don’t fit in a box. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes.”