Missouri football wasn't alwasy competitive in the stacked SEC Conference. In fact, it really wasn't until the last couple years that they found themselves winning against top programs and competing in major bowl games.
Prior to the 2023 season, where they peaked at the No. 8 overall spot on the AP Top-25 rankings, the team hadn't appeared ranked since a one-week No. 22 spot, way back in 2019.
The culture change in Columbia was no-doubt brought from the sidelines. The hiring of head coach Eliah Drinkwitz truly shifted this program in the right direction, with two-straight ten-win seasons, a Cotton Bowl win versus Ohio State in 2023, and helping to become an overall threat within the SEC, the most loaded conference in the country.
So, it was an easy choice from the Tigers front office: extend the man who's responsible for the success.
Congratulations @CoachDrinkwitz Congratulations @Mizzou Congratulations @MizzouFootball Congratulations @MizzouAthletics https://t.co/S9g5zsA0Gg
— Dennis Gates (@coachdgates) November 27, 2025
Drinkwitz confirmed it himself on Thanksgiving morning, and even head coach of Mizzou's basketball team, Dennis Gates, who's likely en route to an extension of his own, showed his support on social media.
The contract is his second in the last four months, and will tie him to the Tigers's sidelines through the 2031 season, but fans are hoping he'll be here to stay much longer than six seasons.
Though this hadn't been widley rumored as of late, it was hinted at when the MU Board of Curators met earlier this week, followed by a report that this extension may be on the table for the veteran head coach.
From there, it was a no-brainer for the Arkansas native.
The agreement comes at a good time, as rumors of Drink's departure have been continuing to spread like wildfire.
With head coaching jobs opening at places like Penn State, LSU, Florida, and potentially even Ole Miss and other major programs, it seemed as if Drinkwitz could be atop the wishlist for fans, players, and athletic directors alike.
Alas, Drink reassured fans all the way through the season: he is here to stay. He doesn't care what jobs open, what money is offered, and if Mizzou is struggling, he is always looking towards the next game, even if a College Football National Championship might not be on the table anymore this season.
Speaking of money however, Drinkwitz did recieve his fair share with this deal. He'll recieve a slight raise to $10.75 million annually.
Clearly, he is committed to this team, and was honest about his want to win in Columbia, rather than departing for another team. A really nice refresh from a league that seems like switching programs happen every other day.
Drinkwitz will coach his final regular season game of the year on Saturday afternoon, as his Tigers travel to play Arkansas, at 2:30 p.m., ahead of a potential bowl game next month.