If Mizzou Has Another Big Year, Eli Drinkwitz Could Be on Track for a Prestigious Blue Blood Coaching Job in College Football
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, coaching careers often hinge on momentum, timing, and a bit of luck. Eli Drinkwitz, the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, stands at a crucial crossroads where sustained success could catapult him into the upper echelons of the coaching world—what many refer to as the “blue blood” jobs. These are positions at historically elite programs with rich traditions, substantial resources, and immense national attention. If Drinkwitz can build on the progress made at Mizzou and deliver another breakthrough season, the opportunity to lead one of these storied programs may well be within his reach.
Drinkwitz arrived at Missouri in late 2019, bringing with him a reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Before his Tigers tenure, he had impressive stints at Appalachian State and a notable background as an offensive coordinator and assistant coach at various programs. Missouri, a program with a proud history but recent inconsistency, was searching for a new identity after a tumultuous coaching carousel. Drinkwitz’s hiring signaled a commitment to developing a disciplined, offensively dynamic team that could compete in the notoriously difficult Southeastern Conference (SEC).
His early years at Mizzou showed promise but were hindered by external challenges—most notably the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected recruiting, practice routines, and overall team chemistry. Despite these obstacles, Drinkwitz’s vision started to take shape. The Tigers began to show flashes of competitiveness against top-tier SEC opponents, which had often been elusive for the program. Drinkwitz’s emphasis on speed, physicality, and balanced offensive schemes became apparent, and his ability to develop young talent gradually earned respect from fans and analysts alike.
Now, as the program moves into what could be a pivotal phase, the question is whether Drinkwitz can translate that foundation into sustained, high-level success. Another big year—defined by a winning record against tough SEC competition, bowl game appearances, and possibly even a signature upset or two—would position him as one of the most promising coaches in college football. That success would not only elevate Mizzou’s profile but also put Drinkwitz on the radar of the so-called blue blood programs, such as Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Clemson.
Why is the prospect of a blue blood job such a significant step? These programs represent the pinnacle of college football tradition and achievement. They have unparalleled fan bases, massive media coverage, and financial powerhouses that enable sustained recruiting dominance. Coaching at these schools means working with the nation’s top athletes, having access to cutting-edge facilities, and operating under immense pressure to win consistently. For many coaches, landing such a position is a dream scenario and a career-defining opportunity.
For Eli Drinkwitz, the pathway to a blue blood job would be forged primarily through continued success at Mizzou and the ability to demonstrate a clear upward trajectory. It requires winning consistently in the SEC, a conference often regarded as the toughest in college football, where every game is a challenge against elite competition. Additionally, Drinkwitz would need to showcase an ability to develop NFL-caliber players, exhibit strong leadership qualities, and manage the intense media scrutiny that comes with high-profile programs.
Another factor working in Drinkwitz’s favor is the current coaching landscape. Many established blue blood programs have seen coaching changes in recent years, creating vacancies or uncertain futures. These shifts make the pool of desirable head coaching jobs more accessible to younger, hungry coaches who have proven their mettle in challenging environments. Drinkwitz fits this profile perfectly: a coach with fresh ideas, experience managing adversity, and a proven ability to turn around a program with potential.
Mizzou’s position in the SEC also plays a strategic role. While the Tigers may not yet be a perennial powerhouse like Alabama or Georgia, their geographic location and recruiting footprint are strong. Missouri sits in a talent-rich area and has access to recruits from the Midwest, South, and even parts of the East Coast. If Drinkwitz can capitalize on this by recruiting well and developing that talent, he can continue to raise the program’s national profile. Another strong season would reinforce that momentum, making Mizzou a stepping stone for him rather than a final destination.
One must also consider the importance of program culture and identity in evaluating Drinkwitz’s prospects. Blue blood programs not only seek coaches who win but those who build enduring cultures of excellence, integrity, and fan engagement. Early signs suggest Drinkwitz is cultivating such an environment at Mizzou. He has been praised for his focus on player development, academic performance, and community involvement, all of which align with the values upheld by the nation’s elite programs. Establishing a positive culture is crucial in sustaining success and managing the enormous expectations tied to blue blood jobs.
The broader implications of Drinkwitz’s potential rise also extend beyond the coaching ranks. A blue blood job often means becoming a central figure in college football’s national conversation. Coaches at these programs influence conference realignment decisions, media narratives, and even NCAA policies through their prominence. Thus, Drinkwitz’s success could elevate not just his career but also Missouri’s reputation, possibly affecting recruiting and investment in the program for years to come.
Of course, the road ahead is far from guaranteed. The SEC’s competitive depth means even the best plans can be thwarted by injuries, close losses, or recruitment battles lost to rivals. Pressure will mount if Drinkwitz’s team falters or if another big year fails to materialize. Questions will arise about his ability to make adjustments, maintain player discipline, and handle the high stakes of top-tier college football. Yet, that is precisely what separates good coaches from great ones—how they respond to adversity and maintain a winning mindset.
In evaluating the coaches who have successfully transitioned from mid-tier Power Five programs to blue blood jobs, a common pattern emerges. They typically achieve breakthrough seasons where their teams exceed expectations, generate national buzz, and demonstrate both tactical innovation and strong leadership. This aligns well with the current trajectory of Drinkwitz and the Tigers. If Mizzou can notch significant wins against ranked opponents, make a deep run in postseason play, and continue developing NFL talent, the blue blood door could open wide for their coach.
Drinkwitz’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent meeting opportunity. He arrived at Missouri with a strong resume and the promise of revitalizing a struggling program. The pandemic and other early challenges slowed progress, but the team’s recent successes suggest a coach and staff finding their footing. With the right mix of recruiting, player development, and in-game coaching, another big year could signal that Drinkwitz is ready for bigger stages.
In the grand tradition of college football coaching, the transition from a promising up-and-comer to a blue blood head coach often happens quickly. Fans and analysts remember coaches who arrive seemingly out of nowhere and seize the moment. For Eli Drinkwitz, the next season or two could define his legacy—either as a Missouri legend who put the Tigers back on the national map or as a coach ready to take the reins of one of college football’s most hallowed programs.
Ultimately, the stakes are high for both Drinkwitz and Missouri. The Tigers want to reclaim a prominent place in the SEC hierarchy, and their coach aims to build a resume worthy of blue blood consideration. It’s a mutually beneficial pursuit, where success for one means success for the other. If all the pieces fall into place, Eli Drinkwitz’s name could soon join the list of young, dynamic coaches who have ascended from solid programs to the pinnacle of college football coaching.
As the next season approaches, all eyes will be on Missouri and Eli Drinkwitz. Can he deliver another big year, further proving his ability to lead, innovate, and win? If so, the coaching world’s elite doors may soon swing open for him, making the Missouri Tigers not just a program on the rise, but a proving ground for a future blue blood coach. The next chapter in Eli Drinkwitz’s career could well be one of the most fascinating storylines in college football’s coaching carousel—and Mizzou fans will be hoping it’s a story of triumph.
