Missouri’s defensive coaching staff will once again have a new look heading into the 2025 season, following the departure of defensive line coach Al Davis, who stepped down on May 16.
After bringing in a new defensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season, Missouri is once again undergoing changes on the defensive side of the coaching staff heading into the 2025 campaign.
After joining the staff in 2021 as a defensive analyst, Al Davis quickly climbed the ranks, taking on a role working with interior defensive linemen the following year. By 2024, he was overseeing the entire defensive line unit.
Just one year later, Davis submitted his letter of resignation, marking the end of his four-year stint with the program.
“I want to thank Coach (Eli) Drinkwitz for giving me the opportunity to coach here over the last few years and wish the program well,” Davis said in his post. “They have a bright future under his leadership.”
"Today I accepted Coach Davis' resignation, as he is stepping away from our program," Drinkwitz said. "I want to thank him for his time with us and wish him the best moving forward."
Fortunately for the Tigers, they were able to promote from within, handing over defensive line responsibilities to current defensive tackles coach David Blackwell.
“We are fortunate to have a veteran in David who can step in and fill any additional coaching needs we might have at that position,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re looking forward to a seamless transition as we continue preparations for the 2025 season.”
Blackwell joined Drinkwitz’s staff in 2023 as a senior analyst before transitioning to defensive tackles coach ahead of the 2024 season. Now, just one year later, he’ll take over responsibility for the entire defensive line.
The defensive line remains one of the biggest question marks for Missouri heading into the 2025 season, and Blackwell will undoubtedly have his hands full molding a retooled unit into a cohesive and productive group.