Mizzou football reportedly has plan to fill defensive coordinator role

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou football team has reportedly figured out its plan to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy.

On3 Sports first reported MU is expected to elevate Blake Baker to defensive coordinator. Baker was recently named the Tigers safeties coach, but he has previous experience as a DC. He was the defensive coordinator at Miami from 2019-20 and Louisiana Tech from 2014-18.

According to PowerMizzou, MU is also expected to name DJ Smith co-defensive coordinator. Smith has been the Tigers linebackers coach for the last two seasons. He was recently named recruiting coordinator as well.

MU has been without a defensive coordinator for the last week. Former DC Steve Wilks left his post to accept a job with the Carolina Panthers.

MU has not officially announced these staffing moves. ABC 17 News reached out to confirm these reports, and an MU spokesperson responded with, "Not accurate on my end."

Also on Monday - ESPN reported MU is looking to hire Al Pogue as the Tigers new cornerbacks coach. Pogue is currently the CB coach at Troy.

We will continue to follow this ongoing story.