Mizzou defensive coordinator to stay on staff

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz has retained Ryan Walters as the Tigers defensive coordinator.

"Since connecting with Ryan I've been very impressed with his ability to lead people and connect with the players," Drinkwitz said in a release.  "I'm impressed with his work on the defensive side of the ball, I look forward to building on what's already been established, the foundation that's been laid.  I look forward to Coach Walters leading a championship-style defense here at Mizzou."

Walters has been the defensive coordinator for the Tigers since 2018. Before that, he coached the Tigers secondary/safeties. He's been with the program since 2015.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to continue to build on what we've done defensively this past season," Walters said in a release.  "We've got a good group of guys coming back and they're excited to get to work.  Columbia has been very good to me and my family and we're thrilled to be part of the community and Mizzou.  I'm excited to work with Coach Drink, he's one of the most respected bright minds in our profession, and I've been impressed with his energy, organization and vision in our short time together.  I'm looking forward to competing under his leadership and getting us on top of the SEC East."

This past season, Mizzou had the 17th best scoring defense in the nation under Walters' direction. MU was eighth in passing yards allowed, 179.3. The Tigers were 14th in total defense.

Before Mizzou, Walters coached at Memphis with former MU football coach Barry Odom. He's been coaching college football since 2009.