Dave Steckel hired as Missouri State head coach
Dave Steckel said he waited 33 years for a head coaching opportunity in college football.
That wait stopped on Sunday.
Missouri’s defensive coordinator accepted the position to be the Bears’ new head coach. He is the sixth assistant to leave in Gary Pinkel’s tenure at Missouri, and the second in 2014. Former offensive line coach Bruce Walker retired in July.
The man they call “Stec” was introduced as the 17th head coach in the school’s history. Steckel will make a reported $270,000 as Missouri State coach, a significant pay cut from his $600,000 salary as Missouri’s defensive coordinator.
The move will allow Steckel to follow his dream of being a head coach in college football. The 57-year old spent 14 seasons with the Tigers after coaching linebackers at Rutgers.
Steckel said he will remain Missouri’s defensive coordinator through the Citrus Bowl (Jan. 1, Noon on KMIZ)
Steckel is only the sixth assistant to leave Gary Pinkel during his Missouri tenure. Since 2000, Barry Odom (Memphis), David Yost (Washington State), Dave Christensen (Wyoming), Matt Eberflus (Cleveland Browns) and Bruce Walker (retirement) were the only ones to leave Columbia before Dave Steckel. Christensen is the only other Pinkel assistant to depart for a head coaching position.
Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel released the following statement regarding Steckel’s departure:
“”We’re so happy for Stec having the opportunity to run his own program. He’s wanted to be a head coach for a long time now, and it’s exciting for all of us that he’s got his chance. Stec is going to do a great job at Missouri State, and I’m just so appreciative for all of the great things he’s done to help us build our program at Mizzou. We’ve worked together for close to 20 years and it’s going to be strange to not have him around. We’re grateful that he’s able to stay with us through our bowl game, and it’s going to be important for us to send him out the right way. Missouri State is getting a guy who is an outstanding coach, an even better family man, and someone who really cares about people.”
