Mizzou names Brian Early as defensive line coach

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Football has filled another coaching vacancy, following the departure of Blake Baker and Kevin Peoples to LSU. The Tigers officially hired Houston's Brian Early to serve as the team's next defensive line and edge coach.

“Brian is a coach that’s been on our radar for awhile now,” Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz said in Friday's press release. “We love his energy and passion for the game, and his commitment to being an elite student of the game to give his players every advantage. The numbers don’t lie and whether it’s been at Houston or Arkansas State, Brian’s guys are technically sound, know how to rush the passer and have been highly productive in the sack and tackle for loss categories.”

Most recently, Early was the defensive line coach at Houston for five seasons, but his coaching career dates back to 1994 when he served as Greenland High School's defensive coordinator.

Since the 2020 football season, Early coached six different players who earned spots on a 53-man NFL roster. Four of those players were drafted while the other two student-athletes were free agent signees. Under Early's leadership, Houston was one of just seven college football programs in the nation to have a defensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft in three straight seasons.

Before he began his tenure at Houston, Early was also the defensive line coach at Arkansas State for five seasons. Arkansas State was ranked at least No. 41 in the country in sacks and tackles for loss during those five seasons.

“What Coach Drinkwitz and the Missouri football program are building makes this opportunity so appealing,” Early said in Friday's press release. “All you have to do is turn on the tape from the Cotton Bowl and see the competitive fire of this team. Something To Prove isn’t just a catch phrase at all. It’s a lifestyle and the type of thinking I’ve embraced throughout my coaching career. I can’t thank Coach Drinkwitz enough for allowing me this opportunity, and I’m excited to cut it loose with our edge rushers!”

Mizzou Football kicks off its 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Faurot Field against Murray State.