Eli Drinkwitz reaches deal to become next Missouri head coach

The Missouri Tigers appear to have found a new head coach.

Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri have reached agreement on a deal, multiple reporters said Sunday. Dave Matter says the deal is pending Board of Curator approval.

Updated story to come: Missouri & Eli Drinkwitz have agreed to terms on a contract, pending Board of Curator approval. Board expected to give 24-hour notice of a public meeting Monday morning.

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) December 9, 2019

Drinkwitz, 36, coached Appalachian State to an 11-1 season this year. That was his first time ever being a head coach.

Drinkwitz has previously coached under Gus Malzahn in high school and Arkansas State, and under Bryan Harsin at Arkansas State and Boise State. Prior to Appalachian State, Drinkwitz spent three seasons as NC State’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.

If you’re a Missouri fan, you have to have concern about Drinkwitz’s inexperience as a head coach. His season at Appalachian State was impressive, but the Mountaineers were already an established power before he got there. How he does on his own, taking over for Barry Odom after a 6-6 season, is a different story.