April 4, 2025 — In a move that has set the Missouri Tigers fanbase abuzz, former head coach Eliah Drinkwitz has officially announced his return to the program for the upcoming 2025 season. Drinkwitz, who coached the Tigers from 2020 to 2023, is stepping back into the role with the goal of revitalizing the team’s performance and restoring Missouri’s place as a competitive force in the SEC. The announcement comes at a time when the Tigers have been in a rebuilding phase, struggling to find consistency and a winning formula under their new leadership.
Drinkwitz’s first tenure as head coach was marked by both challenges and promising moments. After taking over from Barry Odom in 2020, he brought an innovative offensive mindset that made waves in the SEC. While the team showed growth in certain areas, they were unable to consistently compete with the powerhouses of the conference, leaving fans frustrated by missed opportunities and a lack of sustained success. Despite this, Drinkwitz was highly regarded for his ability to develop young talent and his emphasis on a fast-paced, aggressive offense.
In an emotional press conference earlier today, Drinkwitz expressed his excitement to return to the program that he said “feels like home.” “Missouri has always been a place I care deeply about, and after stepping away for a brief time, I realized that I still have a lot to offer this team,” Drinkwitz said, his passion for the program evident. “I see the potential in these players, and I know what we can achieve if we work together. I’m ready to get back to work and help bring this team back to where it belongs.”
Fans have reacted with a mixture of excitement and optimism, hoping that Drinkwitz’s return will breathe new life into the Tigers. Missouri has had its fair share of struggles in recent years, but Drinkwitz’s familiarity with the program and his proven ability to recruit and develop young talent has sparked renewed hope. “This is exactly what we needed,” said Missouri alumnus Brian Keller. “Coach Drinkwitz has always been a dynamic leader, and I believe his return will help us get back to competing with the best in the SEC. We’ve got the talent; now we need the right leadership to make it work.”
Under Drinkwitz’s leadership, Missouri saw flashes of promise, particularly with quarterback development and offensive growth. Players like quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Dominic Lovett thrived under his system, and Drinkwitz’s ability to adapt his game plans to the strengths of his players was a hallmark of his coaching style. However, the team’s inability to find consistency, especially against top-tier SEC competition, led to mixed results, with the Tigers struggling to secure a consistent bowl berth.
As the Tigers enter the 2025 season, Drinkwitz’s return comes at a pivotal moment. Missouri’s football program has shown promise, with a solid core of returning players and a strong recruiting class. The SEC remains one of the toughest conferences in college football, and Drinkwitz will need to maximize his players’ potential to compete with perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
While it’s still unclear whether Drinkwitz will make major changes to his coaching staff or approach, one thing is certain: his return has reinvigorated the fanbase. “There’s a sense of excitement around the program that hasn’t been here in years,” said long-time Tigers fan Amanda Richards. “Coach Drinkwitz brings an energy that we’ve been missing, and I can’t wait to see how he transforms this team in 2025.”
With Drinkwitz back at the helm, the Missouri Tigers are hoping to capitalize on his knowledge of the program and his proven ability to turn young players into stars. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Missouri to see if Drinkwitz can deliver on the high expectations surrounding his return, and whether the Tigers can finally break through to become a consistent contender in the SEC. For now, fans are filled with optimism, eager to see what the next chapter holds under the leadership of E
liah Drinkwitz.
