Eliah Drinkwitz: A Rising Star in College Football Coaching
Eliah Drinkwitz, born on April 12, 1983, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising head coaches in American college football. Since taking over as the head coach of the Missouri Tigers in 2020, Drinkwitz has impressed with his leadership, football acumen, and ability to build a competitive team.1
His rise through the coaching ranks, combined with his passion for the game, has made him a standout figure in the NCAA football landscape.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Eliah Drinkwitz grew up with a passion for football in a town that was deeply connected to the sport. From a young age, he immersed himself in the game, studying strategies and techniques that would later shape his coaching philosophy.
After graduating from Alma High School in Arkansas, where he was involved in football, Drinkwitz attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated with a degree in education. His academic background in education would later become a key asset in his coaching career, as he has been known for his ability to effectively communicate and teach his players.
Early Coaching Career: Building a Foundation
- Drinkwitz’s coaching career began in 2004 at Alma High School, where he worked as an assistant coach. This initial experience in coaching high school football allowed him to gain valuable insights into the sport’s tactical aspects.
- However, his ambition drove him to pursue coaching at the college level, which led to his first big break at Springdale High School in Arkansas in 2005. As an offensive coordinator, he had the opportunity to further develop his skills in game planning and play-calling.
- Drinkwitz’s work ethic and results soon caught the attention of college football programs. In 2010, he joined Auburn University as a quality control assistant under then-head coach Gene Chizik.
- This position placed him on a national stage, and he was part of the Auburn team that won the 2011 BCS National Championship.
- Working alongside legendary offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Drinkwitz absorbed the high-level operations of a successful football program.
Rising Through the Ranks: Offensive Success
After his time at Auburn, Drinkwitz transitioned to Arkansas State University as the running backs coach in 2012, again working under Gus Malzahn. This role gave him direct responsibility for managing a critical part of the offensive game, and his success at Arkansas State opened the door to a position at Boise State University in 2014.
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Eliah Drinkwitz’s Coaching Career: From High School to SEC Head Coach
Eliah Drinkwitz’s journey through the coaching ranks has been marked by dedication, strategic insight, and a clear vision for building successful football programs. From his humble beginnings as a high school coach to becoming the head coach of an SEC team, Drinkwitz’s path exemplifies his growth as a leader in the sport.2
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This section delves into his coaching career, highlighting the milestones that shaped his ascent to the head coaching position at the University of Missouri.
Springdale High School: The Early Years
Drinkwitz’s first major coaching experience came at Springdale High School in Arkansas, where he worked as an assistant coach in 2004. At Springdale, he had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned offensive mastermind Gus Malzahn, who was the head coach of the team at the time.3
This experience proved pivotal for Drinkwitz, as Malzahn’s offensive innovation and high-tempo approach to the game had a profound impact on Drinkwitz’s coaching philosophy.
Auburn University: National Championship Success
In 2009, Drinkwitz took a significant step forward in his career when he joined the staff at Auburn University. Initially hired as a quality control coach, Drinkwitz was responsible for assisting in football operations, analyzing game film, and supporting the offensive coaching staff.
Though this position wasn’t a high-profile role, it provided Drinkwitz with invaluable experience, allowing him to be part of a top-tier college football program.
Arkansas State University: Expanding Offensive Roles
After his time at Auburn, Drinkwitz’s next coaching stop was at Arkansas State University in 2012, where he once again worked alongside Gus Malzahn, this time as the team’s running backs coach.
His role at Arkansas State allowed him to take on more responsibility in shaping the team’s offensive strategies, and he was instrumental in developing the team’s running game.
Eliah Drinkwitz Parents
- Eliah Drinkwitz, a prominent figure in American college football, has made a name for himself as the head coach of the Missouri Tigers.
- He has been instrumental in shaping the team since he took over the position in 2020.
- While his football strategies and leadership abilities are often in the spotlight, the family support that has fueled his journey from a young boy in Oklahoma to a successful coach at the collegiate level remains a lesser-known aspect of his story.
- At the core of this support are his parents, Susie Drinkwitz and Jerry Drinkwitz, who played pivotal roles in his upbringing and helped guide his path to success.
Early Life and Influence of His Parents
Eliah Drinkwitz grew up in a household where sports, particularly football, were important. His parents, Susie and Jerry, fostered a love for the game and encouraged him to follow his passion.
Eli Drinkwitz cracked a snarky Connor Stalions joke after learning of Missouri’s Cotton Bowl opponent https://t.co/3WN7krGBdo pic.twitter.com/8BTO5Iez6g
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) December 4, 2023
Growing up in Oklahoma, a state with a strong football culture, Eliah was surrounded by the sport from a young age. While some families focus more on academics or the arts, it was clear in the Drinkwitz household that athletics, and specifically football, were a central aspect of life.
The Role of Football in the Drinkwitz Household
Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, home to one of the most storied college football programs in the country, undoubtedly played a role in Eliah’s football journey. The University of Oklahoma, with its rich football tradition, was a constant presence in the state’s culture, and Eliah was surrounded by passionate fans and athletes.
However, the Drinkwitz family’s support extended beyond just encouraging Eliah to watch the game; they nurtured his desire to understand football on a deeper level.
Eliah Drinkwitz’s Path to Coaching
Eliah’s journey to becoming the head coach of the Missouri Tigers wasn’t a straightforward one. It was filled with hard work, dedication, and several key moments that helped shape his career.
After graduating from Alma High School in Arkansas, where his family moved during his teenage years, Eliah played quarterback for Arkansas Tech University. His college playing experience gave him firsthand insight into the demands of the game, but it also reinforced his desire to pursue coaching rather than a professional playing career.
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Eli Drinkwitz’s Salary and Contract: A Comprehensive Overview
Eli Drinkwitz has made significant strides in his coaching career, culminating in his appointment as the head coach of the Missouri Tigers. His coaching journey is marked by notable achievements, including a successful stint at Appalachian State, which set the stage for his transition to a high-profile program like Missouri.
Contract Details
Under the terms of his initial contract, Eli Drinkwitz’s salary was set at $4 million per year, with $450,000 of that amount classified as his base salary. The remainder of his compensation came from various sources, including performance bonuses, endorsements, and other revenue-generating activities associated with his role as head coach.
This structure is common in college football contracts, allowing coaches to maximize their earnings based on performance metrics and additional responsibilities.
Salary Increase and Future Projections
- In 2023, Eli Drinkwitz’s salary saw a substantial increase to $6 million per year. This raise reflected not only his growing reputation in the college football landscape but also the competitive nature of securing top coaching talent.
- The increase also came as the Tigers aimed to compete at a higher level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where successful programs invest heavily in coaching and resources.
- Looking ahead, Drinkwitz’s contract includes provisions for future salary increases. After the conclusion of the 2024 season, his salary is set to rise to $6.25 million per year.
- Following this, his salary will continue to escalate by $250,000 annually through the end of the contract in 2027, with the potential to reach a maximum of $7 million per year.
Comparisons and Implications
Eli Drinkwitz’s contract positions him among the higher-paid coaches in college football, particularly within the SEC. The financial investment made by the University of Missouri signifies its ambition to compete with elite programs, which often feature coaches with salaries exceeding $7 million.
A Glimpse into Eli Drinkwitz’s Personal Life: Family, Background, and Roots
Eli Drinkwitz, the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, is known for his impressive coaching acumen and leadership on the field. However, behind his public persona lies a rich and supportive personal life that has played a significant role in shaping his journey.
Born in Norman, Oklahoma, to parents Jerry and Susie Drinkwitz, Eli’s early years and family life were instrumental in molding the man he has become. From moving to Alma, Arkansas, as a young child to building a strong family foundation, Drinkwitz’s story is one of perseverance, familial support, and a passion for sports.
Move to Alma, Arkansas: A Turning Point
When Eli was just a year old, his family moved to Alma, Arkansas. The move was a pivotal moment for the Drinkwitz family, as Alma provided a close-knit community that helped shape Eli’s values and work ethic.
Alma, a small town located in northwest Arkansas, is known for its strong sense of community and slower pace of life compared to big cities. It was in this environment that the Drinkwitz family settled, creating the ideal foundation for Eli’s upbringing.
A Sports-Oriented Family
Though there is no official record of Jerry Drinkwitz being heavily involved in sports, his influence on Eli’s career trajectory cannot be understated. His mother, Susie Drinkwitz, was also instrumental in shaping Eli’s life.
Susie was known for being a supportive and loving mother who encouraged her children to follow their passions. Eli often credits his parents for their unwavering support, which gave him the confidence to pursue a career in coaching football.
Education and Early Career Decisions
Eli Drinkwitz graduated from Alma High School and went on to attend Arkansas Tech University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. His time at Arkansas Tech was significant for several reasons. It was here that Eli began to explore the idea of becoming a football coach seriously.
Though he didn’t play football at the collegiate level, his passion for the game grew, and he started taking steps toward making coaching his career.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Eli Drinkwitz?
Ans: Eli Drinkwitz is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach of the University of Missouri football team (Missouri Tigers). He has risen through the coaching ranks quickly, known for his offensive strategies and leadership on the field.
2. How old is Eli Drinkwitz?
Ans: Eli Drinkwitz was born on April 12, 1983, which makes him 41 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Eli Drinkwitz’s coaching career like?
Ans: Eli Drinkwitz started his coaching career in 2005 as an assistant at Springdale High School in Arkansas. He gained prominence as an offensive coordinator at NC State (2016-2018) and later as the head coach at Appalachian State in 2019, where he led the team to a 12-1 record and a Sun Belt Conference Championship.
In 2020, he became the head coach at Missouri and has since been building the team in the competitive SEC.
4. Who are Eli Drinkwitz’s parents?
Ans: Eli Drinkwitz’s parents have stayed largely out of the public eye, but he grew up in a close-knit family in Alma, Arkansas. His early passion for football was fostered by his upbringing, though specific details about his parents are not widely publicized.
5. What is Eli Drinkwitz’s net worth?
Ans: As of 2024, Eli Drinkwitz’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. This includes his salary as the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, which is reported to be around $4 million annually, as well as bonuses and other compensation related to his contract.
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