Eli Drinkwitz earns spot on Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year watch list

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Football's leader is in contention for a prestigious honor.

MU head coach Eli Drinkwitz was tabbed to the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year watch list, an award that recognizes a college football coach who demonstrates grit, integrity and a winning approach on-and-off the field to enhance the sport for its student-athletes and fans. He is among 28 coaches on this year's list, including nine from the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Coach Drinkwitz is in his sixth year with the Tigers, carrying a 43-25 overall record during his tenure. He's helped develop 16 different All-SEC honorees and coached 17 NFL draft picks over that 68-game stretch. Drinkwitz also boasts the most victories by a head coach in their first five seasons (38) in school history.

The 2023 SEC Coach of the Year has guided his group to a 5-1 record through the first six games of the 2025 campaign, leading the top-ranked rushing offense and defense in the SEC. Mizzou is also top-four in the conference in both total offense and defense this year.

The winner will be announced on Jan. 21, 2026.