Missouri has found its next coach in Eli Drinkwitz, as originally reported by Chris Low of ESPN.

While Drinkwitz and Missouri have agreed to a contract, that contract still needs to be approved by the MU Board of Curators.

Drinkwitz, 36, was most recently the coach of Appalachian State, which he guided to a 12-1 season and a recent Sun Belt Conference championship in his only year on the sideline.

Before Appalachian State, Drinkwitz was an offensive coordinator at North Carolina State for three seasons, during which current Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak made an official recruiting visit. He has also previously worked for Boise State and Arkansas State as an offensive coordinator and assistant coach respectively.

Drinkwitz’s hiring comes nine days after Barry Odom was fired following his fourth season as Missouri’s coach. Odom, a former Missouri linebacker, went 25-25 with two bowl game appearances in his tenure.

Odom endorsed Drinkwitz’s hiring at Appalachian State last year.

“I’ve gotten to know Eliah over the past few years and am so impressed by his vision, work ethic and ability to relate to all,” Odom said. “His abilities show through in the ways his team plays. He sees the big picture and will put his kids in a position to be successful in every area of their lives.”

_Edited by Emily Leiker | eleiker@themaneater.com_