Contract Extension
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On July 24, 2025, Eli Drinkwitz received a new contract extension from Missouri Tigers, keeping him as head coach through the 2029 season.
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This marks his second extension in less than two years — his previous deal covering through 2028 was signed in December 2023.
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Alongside Drinkwitz’s extension, the university approved a significant increase in the salary pool for assistant coaches and support staff: from about $9.8 million previously to roughly $12 million.
Salary & Contract Terms
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Under the previous contract, Drinkwitz was earning US $9 million per year (2024–2025).
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His salary was scheduled to rise gradually to US $9.25 million in 2026–2027, and US $9.5 million in 2028.
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Additional incentives were built in: for instance, a first-round appearance in the College Football Playoff could earn him US $250,000; reaching the national title game might bring US $600,000, and a national championship US $750,000.
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The 2025 extension reportedly did not include a pay raise for Drinkwitz himself — but rather focused on boosting resources for the broader coaching and support staff.
Coaching Success & Why the Extension
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Since taking over the Tigers in 2020, Drinkwitz has compiled a record of 38–24.
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Under his leadership, Missouri achieved back-to-back 10+ win seasons (2023 and 2024) — a feat only the third time in program history, and the first time in a decade.
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The 2023 season was particularly notable: an 11–2 finish and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State Buckeyes. The strong recent performance likely contributed to the school’s commitment with this extension.
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With a rising salary pool for his assistants and support staff, Drinkwitz aims to strengthen the broader program — indicating that the extension reflects not just confidence in him, but in the entire coaching infrastructure.
Personal — Wife & Family
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Eli Drinkwitz is married to Lindsey Drinkwitz (née Lindsey Sivils).
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The couple has four daughters, making family life an important part of his background.
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Before coaching at the college level, Drinkwitz attended Arkansas Tech University (graduated 2004 with a B.S. in Education), and grew up in Alma, Arkansas.
What This All Means
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The extension through 2029 signals that Missouri wants stability in its head coaching role, especially after recent success under Drinkwitz.
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By allocating more funds to assistant coaches and support staff, the program aims to deepen its coaching infrastructure — a move that could help sustain competitiveness in a demanding league environment.
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For Drinkwitz, the contract offers financial stability, while still giving incentive-driven opportunities for peak performance (through bonuses tied to playoff/championship success).
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From a personal perspective, the extension and success likely provide security for his family and amplify his long-term commitment to the program and community.
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