Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz signs new contract extension before Lane Kiffin makes decision on staying or leaving Ole Miss.

Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz has agreed to another contract extension, marking his second in just five months. The team has posted 28 wins since the beginning of the 2023 season, prompting the school to solidify his tenure.

Drinkwitz, who recently became one of the nations highest-paid coaches, saw his contract revised again just days before the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. According to ESPN, the new agreement raises his salary to an average of $10.7 million per year.

The Missouri Board of Curators finalized the details of the deal on Wednesday, and Drinkwitz officially confirmed it on Thursday morning. In a statement, he said:

My family and I are thankful to be at Mizzou. The support from our President, the Board of Curators, AD, boosters, and fans is special! Why Stop Now!!! #STP

Drinkwitz has previously been linked to coaching openings at Florida, LSU, and Penn State. However, with Lane Kiffin still weighing whether to remain at Ole Miss or pursue opportunities elsewhere, Drinkwitz chose to continue his commitment to Missouri.

Earlier this year, Missouri extended Drinkwitzs contract through the 2029 season. That followed a previous extension signed at the end of 2023, which ran through 2028. According to USA Todays salary database, Drinkwitzs 2025 salary of $9 million placed him in a tie for 10th among all NCAA coaches, alongside SEC peers Lane Kiffin, Josh Heupel, and Mark Stoops. Only Kirby Smart (Georgia), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), and former LSU coach Brian Kelly earned more that season.

The Tigers have accumulated 21 wins over the 2023 and 2024 seasons and are on track for a potential nine-win 2025 campaign if they defeat Arkansas and secure a bowl victory. Missouri currently holds a 7-4 record for the season, though they are 0-4 against ranked opponents, suffering losses to Alabama, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Quarterback Beau Pribula missed time due to injury, leading freshman Matt Zollers, the teams initial No. 3 QB, to start against Texas A&M before Pribula returned for the Sooners game.

The teams recent success follows three .500 seasons in Drinkwitzs first three years. Overall, his record at Missouri stands at 45-28.

With Drinkwitz secured, Florida and LSU may need to look outside the SEC for their next head coach. Ole Miss plans to announce Kiffins decision on Saturday, following their Friday matchup against Mississippi State, which is expected to accelerate the coaching carousel across college football.

Analysis: Eli Drinkwitz’s Continued Commitment to Missouri

The recent contract extension for Missouri Tigers' head coach Eli Drinkwitz reflects both his success and the university's desire to maintain stability moving forward. With 28 wins since the start of the 2023 season, his continued growth as a coach has prompted the school to reinforce its investment in his leadership. This marks his second extension in just five months, which is a testament to both his performance and the trust the university places in him.

Drinkwitz's new deal raises his annual salary to an average of $10.7 million, aligning him with some of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Despite his previous ties to coaching vacancies at Florida, LSU, and Penn State, Drinkwitz's decision to stay at Missouri signals his long-term commitment. His family’s appreciation for the university and the support from key stakeholders such as the President and Board of Curators further emphasize this loyalty.

Missouri's 2023-2024 performance under Drinkwitz has been solid, with 21 wins, but there are still challenges. The team’s record against ranked opponents remains a concern, with losses to teams like Alabama and Oklahoma. However, the potential for a nine-win season in 2025 suggests that Drinkwitz is building a competitive program capable of contending with the best in the SEC.

Overall, Drinkwitz’s contract extension is not just a reward for his success but also a strategic move to ensure Missouri remains competitive in a challenging conference. As rival schools like Florida and LSU search for new head coaches, Missouri seems poised to maintain its momentum under Drinkwitz’s leadership.

Sources:

• Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz agrees to new contract extension ahead of Lane Kiffin's decision to stay at or leave Ole Miss