Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz celebrates after his team beat the Auburn Tigers in overtime at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Eli Drinkwitz is staying put.

The Missouri Tigers and Drinkwitz announced that he has signed a six-year contract extension to remain as their head coach through the 2031 season. The deal has an average annual compensation of $10.75 million and will increase the salary pool, according to ESPN. He was paid $9 million for the 2025 season, making him the 11th-highest-paid head coach in the country.

"My family and I believe deeply in the vision and leadership from our administration and are incredibly happy to continue calling Columbia our home," Drinkwitz said in a press release announcing the extension. "I'm grateful for the unwavering support of President Mun Choi, the Board of Curators, led by Chair Todd Graves and incoming Vice Chair Bob Blitz, along with our athletics director Laird Veatch. We're also incredibly thankful for the support of our generous donors and NIL partners. I'm committed to continuing our work to build Mizzou into a championship program."

He has a 45-28 record in his six seasons as Missouri's head coach, including going 25-24 in the SEC. After back-to-back 6-7 seasons from 2021-22, they have gone 28-9.

"Under his vision and leadership, Coach Drinkwitz has transformed the standard for Mizzou Football and united our entire program and fan base behind a clear pursuit of excellence," Veatch said. "We're thrilled he will continue leading our team into the future. This is an incredible time for our program: Our unprecedented 20-game home sellout streak speaks to our fans' tremendous passion and commitment, while the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project reflects our growing and sustained investment in Mizzou Football.

"It's also critically important that we continue providing Coach Drinkwitz with the resources necessary to build and develop championship rosters in the Southeastern Conference. This new contract reflects our commitment to further strengthening and enhancing those resources. Our 'Will to Win' is clear — we're fully aligned behind Coach Drinkwitz and eager to keep building with him as he leads this program forward in the pursuit of championships."

Drinkwitz has been connected to several open jobs this season, including the Penn State Nittany Lions. With Lane Kiffin still set to decide between the Ole Miss Rebels, LSU Tigers, and Florida Gators, the two losers would have likely expressed interest in him as well. Instead, he is straying put and will look to keep building Missouri into a contender.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri football agree to contract extension

Reporting by JD McCarthy, FSU Wire / College Sports Wire

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