Eliah Drinkwitz has made a significant impact as the head football coach for the Missouri Tigers.
Since taking over the program in 2020, he has guided the team to notable successes, including an 11-2 season and a Cotton Bowl championship. His ability to turn the team around quickly has earned him recognition, with the 2023 season crowning him as the SEC Coach of the Year.
Drinkwitz’s journey in college football coaching is both unique and impressive.
Before his tenure at Missouri, he held various assistant coaching roles at North Carolina State, Boise State, and Arkansas, where he honed his offensive strategies.
His leadership skills were further evidenced by his successful stint as the head coach of the Appalachian State Mountaineers, which paved the way for his role at Missouri.
Beyond the wins and titles, what makes Drinkwitz’s story compelling is his commitment to building a robust football program at Missouri. His recent contract extension through 2028 reflects the university’s confidence in his vision and leadership.
Keep reading to explore how Drinkwitz is shaping the future of Missouri Tigers football.
Who Is Eliah Drinkwitz?
Eliah Drinkwitz is the head coach of the Missouri Tigers football team.
This section covers key aspects of his life, including his upbringing, education, residence, and family.
Where Did Eliah Drinkwitz Grow Up?
Eliah Drinkwitz grew up in Alma, Arkansas. Known for its small-town charm, Alma was where he developed his passion for football.
He attended Alma High School, where he started to show his potential in football both on and off the field.
His experiences in Alma played a significant role in shaping his coaching style and approach to the game.
Eliah’s upbringing in Alma was also marked by his strong faith and work ethic. These values would later influence his coaching philosophy, emphasizing discipline and integrity.
Where Did Eliah Drinkwitz Play College Football?
Eliah Drinkwitz played college football at Arkansas Tech University.
Unlike many of his peers, he did not have an extensive playing career at a major college football program.
His time at Arkansas Tech gave him a foundational understanding of the game, which he later applied to his coaching career.
While his playing career might not have been illustrious, his passion for coaching emerged during his college years. He often involved himself in various roles that prepared him for his future coaching endeavors.
Where Does Eliah Drinkwitz Live?
Eliah Drinkwitz currently resides in Columbia, Missouri.
As the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, living in Columbia allows him to be close to the team and the university’s facilities.
Columbia provides a supportive environment where he can focus on leading the Tigers and nurturing his young team.
Columbia is known for its vibrant community and passionate sports fans, making it an ideal place for Drinkwitz and his family. The city’s culture and enthusiasm for football dovetail well with his career goals.
Who Is Eliah Drinkwitz Married To?
Eliah Drinkwitz is married to Lindsey Drinkwitz.
Together, they have four daughters, who are a central part of his life outside of football.
Family is a critical aspect of Drinkwitz’s identity, and he often speaks about the support and inspiration he receives from Lindsey and their children.
Lindsey has been a steadfast partner throughout his career, adapting to the demands and relocations that come with coaching at various levels.
The closeness of their family unit is often reflected in Drinkwitz’s approach to teamwork and leadership on the field.
Eliah Drinkwitz Professional Career
Eliah Drinkwitz has built an impressive coaching career in college football, with significant roles at various universities.
His trajectory includes transformative stints at schools like Appalachian State and Arkansas State. Currently, he leads the Missouri Tigers, bringing with him strategic acumen and a vision for success.
What Teams Has Eliah Drinkwitz Previously Coached For?
Eliah Drinkwitz began his coaching career at Auburn University in 2010 as a quality control coach. During his time there, Auburn won the National Championship.
He then moved to Arkansas State, where he took roles such as running backs coach and later offensive coordinator.
Drinkwitz continued to climb the ranks with a move to Boise State, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. He also coached at NC State before landing his first head coaching role at Appalachian State.
His tenure there was notable for leading the team to a Sun Belt Championship.
What Team Is Eliah Drinkwitz Currently Coaching For?
Eliah Drinkwitz is currently the head coach of the Missouri Tigers. He joined Mizzou in December 2019, becoming their 33rd football head coach.
Under his leadership, the team has seen a revitalization, with noteworthy performances in the Southeastern Conference.
Drinkwitz is known for his offensive strategies, particularly in developing players like wide receiver Luther Burden III and running back Cody Schrader.
His efforts have positioned the Tigers as competitive contenders in college football.
Does Eliah Drinkwitz Want To Coach In The NFL?
As of now, there are no public indications that Eliah Drinkwitz aims to transition to the NFL.
His focus has been on building a strong program at the University of Missouri.
Drinkwitz’s coaching philosophy centers on developing young talent, instilling discipline, and fostering a winning culture in college football.
While opportunities in the NFL could arise, his current commitment seems firmly rooted in elevating the Missouri Tigers in the college football landscape.
What Are Eliah Drinkwitz Future Prospects?
Eliah Drinkwitz’s future in coaching appears promising.
With his tactical expertise and motivational skills, he could potentially lead Missouri to a New Year’s Six bowl appearance or beyond.
His ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop them into high-performing athletes adds to his prospects.
There are also ongoing conversations about his long-term impact on the Missouri Tigers, potentially setting them up as a championship program within the SEC.
Eliah Drinkwitz Major Achievements And Awards
Eliah Drinkwitz has accumulated several accolades throughout his career.
At Appalachian State, he led the team to a Sun Belt Championship.
His strategic approach earned him recognition as one of college football’s top offensive minds. His tenure at Auburn also saw the team win a National Championship.
These achievements, coupled with developing standout players like Ryan Finley at NC State and Zac Thomas at Appalachian State, underline his coaching prowess.
Similar Coaches To Eliah Drinkwitz
Several coaches share similar coaching styles and career trajectories with Eliah Drinkwitz.
Sam Pittman at Arkansas, Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, and Mike Leach at Mississippi State are notable comparisons.
Like Drinkwitz, these coaches are known for their innovative offensive strategies and ability to transform college football programs.
Their approaches in the SEC have contributed significantly to the competitive nature of the conference, making them contemporaries of Drinkwitz in the coaching world.
How Does Eliah Drinkwitz Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Eliah Drinkwitz has adapted to the modern landscape of college football by effectively using both Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money and the transfer portal. These changes have impacted his recruiting strategies and the overall success of the Missouri Tigers.
Eliah Drinkwitz And Transfer Portal
Eliah Drinkwitz has shown significant skill in navigating the transfer portal.
The Missouri Tigers have seen a boost in talent, coming in at 25th in the overall team talent rating for 2023.
He has managed to fill critical gaps by attracting skilled players through the transfer portal.
The shift from high school recruiting to utilizing transfers has made a difference in the team’s performance.
Drinkwitz and his staff focus on bringing in experienced players who can make an immediate impact, unlike traditional recruits who may need time to develop.
This strategy has been essential for Missouri as they compete against other top programs.
Eliah Drinkwitz And NIL Money
Drinkwitz has embraced the opportunities provided by NIL money.
The new rules around Name, Image, and Likeness have allowed Missouri to offer competitive incentives to recruits and current players.
This has been a key factor in retaining and attracting top talent.
According to Drinkwitz, the ability to utilize NIL once a player signs has put Missouri in a strong position.
NIL money has dramatically changed college football, affecting how players choose schools based on the financial opportunities available to them.
Drinkwitz’s approach in this area has provided Missouri with an advantage, offering recruits appealing financial packages once they join the team.
This financial backing is crucial in a landscape where money can significantly influence a player’s decision.
By adapting to these changes, Eliah Drinkwitz ensures that Missouri remains competitive on and off the field.
How Much Is Eliah Drinkwitz’s Contract For?
Eliah Drinkwitz, the Missouri Tigers head football coach, has a contract that extends through the 2028 season. His new deal includes a significant salary increase and a variety of performance-based incentives.
How Much Does Eliah Drinkwitz Make In Salary Per Year?
Eliah Drinkwitz’s annual salary has been significantly increased with his contract extension.
Drinkwitz now earns $4 million per year, placing him among the top-paid coaches in the SEC.
This salary reflects his success with the Missouri Tigers, including an 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.
How Much Does Eliah Drinkwitz Make In Incentives Per Year?
Drinkwitz’s contract includes numerous incentives.
These incentives are tied to the team’s performance and can include bonuses for achieving certain milestones, such as winning the SEC Championship or qualifying for the College Football Playoff.
The specific details of these incentives were not fully disclosed but are designed to reward success and high performance.
Further details on Eliah Drinkwitz’s contract extension and incentives can be found at Mizzou football: Eli Drinkwitz contract extension salary revealed and Missouri gives coach Drinkwitz a contract extension through the 2028.
What Is Eliah Drinkwitz Net Worth?
Eliah Drinkwitz, the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, has an estimated net worth of more than $5 million. This wealth comes from his career in college football coaching.
In 2020, Drinkwitz signed a six-year contract worth $24 million with the Missouri Tigers. His base salary was set at $450,000, but with additional bonuses and incentives, it reached much higher.
In 2023, the University of Missouri’s Board of Curators approved a contract extension for Drinkwitz, increasing his annual pay to $6 million.
The combination of his salary, bonuses, and other incentives contributes significantly to his net worth.
Here is a simple breakdown of his earnings:
| Year | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $450,000 |
| 2023 | $6,000,000 |
Drinkwitz’s successful seasons with Missouri have played a key role in his financial success.
The Missouri Board of Curators and other members of the administration have shown strong support for him, reflecting his importance to the team.
The current Director of Athletics at Missouri, along with University President Mun Choi, have also been influential in securing these contracts and extensions for Drinkwitz.
Their backing underscores the coaches’ value to the program and his potential to lead the Tigers to further success.