Web Extra: Derek Dooley introduced as Mizzou’s offensive coordinator

Mizzou football and head coach Barry Odom introduced Derek Dooley as the new offensive coordinator today to the media.

Dooley said he is excited for the opportunity to coach again at the college level. He said the trust he has with Odom during their conversations was the main reason he decided to take the job.

During the last two years under previous offensive coordinator Josh Heupel, Mizzou ran an up-tempo, spread style offense. Dooley has experience mainly in more traditional pro-style offenses. Dooley said he plans to use a mix of both styles next year with Mizzou.

“You have to look at the personnel when figuring out a system,” Dooley said. “I think we have a lot of great players coming back, and I think there is a lot of good stuff to come.”

Mizzou returns nine starters on offense next year, and one key player returning is quarterback Drew Lock. Lock made the decision to not go to the NFL Draft in 2018 and return for his senior season.

Dooley said he is excited for the chance to work with Lock, and he believes his system will prepare Lock more for what he will expect at the NFL level. Odom and Dooley said Lock will work more under center, which he has not done at Mizzou, and have to be a lot more versatile in his reads and on the mental side of the game.