Mizzou Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz is Planning to Sell the Team Before His Departure
In a surprising turn of events, University of Missouri (Mizzou) head football coach Eliah Drinkwitz is reportedly planning to “sell” the team before his expected departure from the program. While this term “sell” might initially raise eyebrows, the context surrounding this decision is what makes it a significant story in college football. For fans and the football community alike, this announcement signals more than just a coaching change—it’s a move that could reshape the future of the Mizzou football program.
The Current State of Mizzou Football
To understand why Coach Drinkwitz is making this decision, it’s important to first examine the state of Mizzou football under his leadership. Drinkwitz, who was hired as Mizzou’s head coach in 2020, inherited a program that had seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Prior to his arrival, the Tigers had fluctuated between mediocrity and potential, failing to establish sustained success in the competitive SEC conference.
Over the course of his tenure, Drinkwitz has had moments of promise, with a few notable wins and solid recruiting classes, but the results on the field have been inconsistent. Mizzou has had difficulty breaking into the upper echelons of the SEC standings, and despite occasional flashes of brilliance, they have often struggled against the conference’s elite teams.
However, the frustrations aren’t solely about win-loss records. Drinkwitz, like many college coaches, has faced the challenges of navigating the changing landscape of college football, from the transfer portal to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, all while trying to maintain the discipline and culture that Mizzou fans expect from their team.
The “Sale” Concept: What Does It Mean?
When the news broke that Coach Drinkwitz was planning to “sell” the team, it immediately sparked confusion. The word “sale” in this context does not imply that Drinkwitz is selling the actual players or even the rights to the football team in a literal sense. Instead, the coach is looking at his potential departure as an opportunity to realign the future direction of the program.
The “sale” metaphor refers to a strategic decision where Drinkwitz is preparing the program for a smoother transition after his departure. In other words, he’s attempting to set the team up for success by ensuring that the next head coach inherits a program that is in a favorable position—financially, organizationally, and competitively. This could involve a number of key moves: securing top-tier recruits, stabilizing the coaching staff, renegotiating contracts with key support staff, and ensuring that Mizzou is positioned as an attractive destination for the next coach.
For Drinkwitz, this could also be a way to ensure that his own legacy at Mizzou is positive. Coaches are often judged not just by their win-loss record but by the state of the program they leave behind. By setting up Mizzou football for long-term success, Drinkwitz hopes to leave an enduring impact that goes beyond just his time in Columbia.
The Timing of the Decision
Rumors about Coach Drinkwitz’s future with Mizzou have been circulating for some time, with many speculating that his tenure might be nearing its end. His decision to plan for the program’s future now, ahead of his potential departure, could suggest that he’s aware his time at Mizzou may soon come to a close.
There are several factors that could be contributing to his decision to leave. First, college football is a high-pressure environment, particularly in the SEC, where every season is a battle for respect and postseason play. Drinkwitz may have realized that his vision for Mizzou’s success doesn’t align with the immediate expectations from the administration or fans, leading to a possible mutual parting of ways.
Additionally, the recent shake-ups in college football, with changes to conference alignments, NIL regulations, and the transfer portal, have created a tumultuous environment for coaches trying to build long-term programs. Drinkwitz, whose success was often defined by his ability to recruit and develop talent, may feel that the landscape has become too unpredictable to continue building a sustainable program at Mizzou.
The Implications of This Move
If Coach Drinkwitz follows through with his plan to “sell” the team before his departure, it could have a significant impact on both Mizzou football and the broader college football landscape. First, it would likely smooth the transition to a new head coach. If Drinkwitz is successful in positioning Mizzou for success, the next coach would inherit a team with a solid foundation rather than starting from scratch.
Moreover, this could serve as a model for how future coaches handle transitions in a time when college football is constantly evolving. More coaches may begin to adopt similar strategies—ensuring that the program is in the best possible position before their departure, whether that comes by choice or necessity. This type of proactive planning might lead to less turnover-induced chaos in college football programs and, in turn, more stability.
For Mizzou, it could mean a more seamless transition from one coaching regime to another, which would be an encouraging sign for fans who have endured years of uncertainty about the team’s trajectory. If Drinkwitz is able to execute this plan well, it could ensure that the Tigers remain competitive in the SEC and continue to develop into a respected football program.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mizzou?
While the specifics of Coach Drinkwitz’s potential departure remain unclear, one thing is certain: his “sale” of the program represents a new way of thinking about coaching transitions. Whether Drinkwitz leaves Mizzou at the end of the current season or after a few more years, his focus on setting the program up for future success is a refreshing departure from the often chaotic and reactive nature of coaching changes.
The future of Mizzou football will ultimately depend on the choices made by the administration, the next head coach, and the players themselves. But thanks to Drinkwitz’s foresight, the team might be in a better position to weather whatever comes next. For now, fans will have to wait and see what unfolds as Drinkwitz finishes his tenure, potentially leaving behind a team that is ready for the next chapter in its journey.
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