Mizzou fires defensive line coach following loss to Tennessee
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Jethro Franklin is out as Mizzou's defensive line coach, according to a release from the team on Sunday.
“After a careful review, I believe a change in direction at the defensive line coach was needed,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “Jethro is a professional and man of high character, and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
The team said defensive analyst Al Davis will move into a full-time coaching role with the defensive line for the rest of the 2021 season. Davis joined Mizzou's staff in 2021, after coaching the defensive tackles at Illinois in 2020.
Franklin joined MU's staff in Jan. 2021, after serving as the assistant defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 2018-19. The defensive line coach had previously signed a two-year contract with the department.
The Tigers are in last place in the FBS in rushing defense, giving up about 300 yards per game. In Saturday's loss to Tennessee, Mizzou's defense gave up 458 yards on the ground. The Volunteers averaged about eight yards per carry.
