Skip to content
Skip to Content

OFFICIAL: Mizzou hires former Miami assistant as linebackers coach

KMIZ

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz has filled a vacant coaching position on his staff.

Mizzou officially announced on Thursday, Jan. 23 that it has agreed to a contract with former Miami assistant Derek Nicholson, making him the program’s next linebackers coach.

The North Carolina native is set to replace former Mizzou linebackers coach D.J. Smith, following his departure to Appalachian State to become its defensive coordinator. Smith also served as co-defensive coordinator with the Tigers for the last three years.

"Derek brings a wealth of experience with him both as a coach, coordinator and former NFL player," Drinkwitz said in Thursday's press release. "What stood out to us was his energy and passion for the game and his proven ability to develop high-level talent. We believe he'll be a perfect fit to help mentor our 'Death Row Defense' as we continue to take these next steps forward as a program. We could not be more excited to welcome Derek, Onnie and their entire family to Columbia."

Nicholson has experience in both of Smith’s former roles. He coached linebackers at Miami over the last two seasons and had the added responsibility of co-defensive coordinator with the Hurricanes last year. During the 2024 campaign, Nicholson assisted the No. 4-ranked rush and pass defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and coached an All-ACC linebacker.

Nicholson’s coaching experience spans beyond his time in Miami. Before joining the Hurricanes in 2023, he was the linebackers coach at Louisville for three seasons, guiding a pair of players in his unit to All-ACC honors in his final two years with the Cardinals.

From 2016-2019, he also coached defensive linemen at Southern Mississippi over two seasons before being elevated to the program’s co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for his final two years with the Golden Eagles. With Nicholson’s assistance, Southern Mississippi was the home of the nation’s No. 18-ranked and Conference USA’s top-ranked rushing defense during the 2020 season. The Golden Eagles also finished that same campaign as the country’s No. 37-ranked unit in total defense.

Additionally, Nicholson made stops at Alcorn State (2015) and Akron (2013) after beginning his coaching career at the high school level in 2011.

"I appreciate and respect the culture Coach Drinkwitz has built at Mizzou, and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to join his staff," Nicholson said in the press release. "I think we align in a lot of ways in how we want to lead these young men and I'm excited to get started working with the staff and student-athletes as we strive for success, on and off the field. My family and I can't wait to get to Columbia."

The former NFL linebacker also brings playing experience to the Tigers. Nicholson was a linebacker at Florida State, ending his collegiate career with 207 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two defensive touchdowns. He was also named an All-ACC selection for the 2008 season, a campaign where he led the Seminoles with 81 total tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2009.

Nicholson will work to help maintain the momentum of Mizzou’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Corey Batoon. The Tigers finished the 2024 season as a top 10 team in the nation in first and third down defense and top six in the SEC in scoring defense, total defense and passing defense.

Article Topic Follows: Mizzou Football
athletics
coaching hire
college football
columbia
derek nicholson
eli drinkwitz
faurot field
local
memorial stadium
mizzou athletics
mizzou tigers
NCAA
SEC
southeastern conference
sports

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Kyle Helms

I joined ABC 17 News in August 2023 as a videographer. I am currently a Multimedia Journalist and Anchor for the ABC 17 Sports team.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.