Phil Pitts to become a Mizzou defensive analyst

A former Tiger is heading back home.

Former Helias football coach Phil Pitts was named Mizzou football’s defensive analyst, Missouri announced on Wednesday.

Pitts was 40-15 in four seasons as head coach at Helias, including two appearences in the state final game. Pitts also spent six seasons as an assistant at Helias from 2005-2010.

“We’re excited to have Phil join our coaching staff,” said Mizzou football head coach Gary Pinkel in a statement. “Here’s a guy who came through our program during our building phase, and he demonstrated great leadership in some difficult times, and clearly had a passion for the game of football.

“My time at Helias has truly been amazing and the people I have met, coached,and worked with will forever have a special place in my heart,” said Pitts through a statement from Mizzou. “Coaching college football has always been a dream of mine and I am so excited to join Coach Pinkel and his staff at Missouri. Mizzou has always been home to me and I couldn’t be happier to be a Tiger.”

According to the release, Pitts will assist new defensive coordinator Barry Odom. The school’s announcement says Pitts will focus on “day-to-day evaluation of the Tiger defense including self-scouting.” Pitts will also be responsible for other tasks assigned by the football program.