Corey Batoon earns contract extension through 2027 season
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The leader of 'Death Row Defense' is staying in Columbia for the forseeable future.
Mizzou Football announced that defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has agreed to a contract extension, which ties him to the team through the 2027 campaign.
According to an amendment to his original contract, Batoon will receive a $400,000 raise in non-salary compensation this year, increasing from $700,000 to $1.1 million. Next year, that total will rise to $1.2 million. Collectively, MU will pay him $1.4 million this year, which includes his $300,000 base salary.
Mizzou's second-year assistant coach will also get a $100,000 signing bonus and a $100,000 retention incentive, if he's still with the program on Feb. 1, 2026.
“We’re building something special at Mizzou, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it,” Batoon said in a press release. “This program is full of talented student-athletes and coaches who take pride in doing things the right way. I’m thankful to Coach Drinkwitz and the administration for their trust, and I look forward to continuing to elevate our standard of excellence on the defensive side of the ball.”
Batoon, who is entering his second season as Mizzou's defensive signal-caller, guided the team near the top of the nation's defensive charts in multiple statistical categories last year. The Tigers finished Batoon's inaugural season as the country's No. 17-ranked unit in total defense (317.5 yards per game), No. 5-ranked group in third down conversion percentage (.302) and No. 20-ranked squad in scoring defense (20.38 points per game). Mizzou also limited seven of its opponents to 21 points or fewer during the 2024 season and forced at least one turnover in 10 games.
“Corey Batoon’s impact on our program and our ‘Death Row Defense’ in just one season has been tremendous,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said in Thursday's press release. “He’s an incredible teacher and tactician and a relentless competitor. His leadership, preparation and ability to maximize our players’ potential helped us significantly on the defensive side in 2024. We’re proud to have him leading our defense as we continue to raise the bar and compete for championships at Mizzou.”
Mizzou is currently participating in fall camp in preparation for its season opener. The Tigers will kick off the 2025 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. against Central Arkansas.
