Brief Introduction of Eli Drinkwitz
Eliah “Eli” Drinkwitz is a prominent American college football coach who has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks to become the head football coach for the University of Missouri Tigers. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and energetic personality, Drinkwitz has revitalized the Missouri football program, leading them to national recognition. His coaching journey is marked by a series of successful stints at various levels of football, from high school to top-tier NCAA Division I programs. He gained significant attention as a head coach after leading Appalachian State to a remarkable 12-1 season in 2019 before taking the helm at Missouri in 2020. Under his leadership, the Tigers have achieved significant milestones, including a notable 11-win season in 2023 that culminated in a Cotton Bowl victory, earning him SEC Coach of the Year honors.
Eli Drinkwitz Overview
| Full Name | Eliah Drinkwitz |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1983 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 42 |
| Birthplace | Norman, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Profession | American College Football Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Lindsey Silvis Drinkwitz |
| Family | Parents: Jerry and Susie Drinkwitz; Wife: Lindsey; Children: Addison, Emerson, Ella, and Parker Lynn (daughters) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $15 million and $20 million. |
Early Life and Education of Eli Drinkwitz
Eli Drinkwitz was born on April 12, 1983, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Jerry and Susie Drinkwitz. In 1984, his family moved to Alma, Arkansas, where he was raised and developed a passion for football. Growing up in a small town instilled in him a strong work ethic. He attended Alma High School, where he was a standout linebacker, earning all-conference and all-state honors. He also demonstrated leadership off the field as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle Leader. Though he initially intended to study political science and pursue a law degree, his path shifted towards coaching. Drinkwitz enrolled at Arkansas Tech University, where he focused on his education and began his coaching journey by volunteering at his high school alma mater. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education in 2004 and also served as the student body president, showcasing his leadership qualities from an early age.
Eli Drinkwitz’s Career
Eli Drinkwitz’s coaching career began at the high school level in his home state of Arkansas. He started as an assistant at Alma High School in 2005 before becoming the offensive coordinator at Springdale High School from 2006 to 2009, where he worked with Gus Malzahn. His collegiate coaching career commenced in 2010 when he joined Auburn University as a quality control assistant under head coach Gene Chizik. During his first season at Auburn, the team, with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton at quarterback, went undefeated and won the 2010 BCS National Championship.
Following his time at Auburn, Drinkwitz reunited with Gus Malzahn at Arkansas State, serving as the running backs coach in 2012 and being promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2013. The team won back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships during his tenure. In 2014, he followed head coach Bryan Harsin to Boise State, initially as the tight ends coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2015. His offense at Boise State was highly productive, ranking in the top 15 nationally in both scoring and total offense.
Drinkwitz then moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for NC State from 2016 to 2018. Under his guidance, the Wolfpack’s offense saw significant improvement, and the team achieved consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time since the early 1990s. His success at NC State led to his first head coaching opportunity.
In 2019, Appalachian State University hired Drinkwitz as their head coach. In his single season with the Mountaineers, he led the team to an impressive 12-1 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship. This remarkable success quickly made him a sought-after candidate for Power Five coaching positions.
On December 9, 2019, Eli Drinkwitz was named the head coach of the Missouri Tigers. His tenure at Missouri has been marked by a steady revitalization of the program. After two 6-7 seasons in 2021 and 2022, Drinkwitz led the Tigers to a breakthrough 11-2 season in 2023. This successful campaign included a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl and earned him the 2023 SEC Coach of the Year award from both the conference coaches and the Associated Press. He followed this up with another strong 10-win season in 2024. His ability to develop players and recruit top talent has been instrumental in Missouri’s recent success.
Eli Drinkwitz Personal Life & Family
Eli Drinkwitz is a dedicated family man. He is married to Lindsey Silvis Drinkwitz, whom he has known since their time at Alma High School, where she was a cheerleader. The couple has four daughters: Addison, Emerson, Ella, and Parker Lynn. Drinkwitz often speaks about the importance of his family and his Christian faith, which he credits with providing stability and guidance in his life. He and his family are actively involved in philanthropic efforts in their community, including working with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. His wife, Lindsey, is a constant source of support and is often seen cheering on the Tigers alongside their daughters.
Awards and Achievements of Eli Drinkwitz
- 2023 SEC Coach of the Year (AP & Coaches).
- 2023 Eddie Robinson Award Finalist.
- 2019 Sun Belt Conference Champion (as Head Coach of Appalachian State).
- 2010 BCS National Champion (as a quality control assistant at Auburn).
- 2012 & 2013 Sun Belt Conference Champion (as an assistant coach at Arkansas State).
Eli Drinkwitz Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Eli Drinkwitz’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million. His primary source of income is his salary as the head football coach for the University of Missouri. In 2025, his total compensation is reported to be $9 million. His contract includes incremental raises, with his salary set to increase to $9.25 million in 2026. The contract, which has been extended through 2029, is worth approximately $46.5 million in total. In addition to his coaching salary, Drinkwitz has endorsement deals, including a significant $5 million partnership with Powerade. His contract also includes performance-based incentives and a substantial buyout clause.
Legacy and Influence
At a relatively young age for a head coach in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference, Eli Drinkwitz has already established a significant legacy. He is part of a trend in college football that has seen younger, more innovative coaches achieve great success. His “air raid” offensive philosophy, adapted to his personnel, has consistently produced high-scoring and exciting teams. Beyond the on-field success, Drinkwitz is known for his witty personality and direct communication style, which has resonated with players and fans alike. He has been credited with changing the culture and expectations of the Missouri football program, leading them to national relevance through strong recruiting and player development. His commitment to community involvement and his players’ well-being off the field further solidifies his positive influence.
Interesting Facts about Eli Drinkwitz
- He was the student body president at Arkansas Tech University.
- He won a national championship ring in his first year as a college coach with Auburn in 2010.
- He is one of the youngest head coaches in the Power Four conferences.
- In 2023, he led Missouri to its first 11-win season since 2014.
- He is known for his sometimes quirky and memorable post-game press conferences, including celebrating a win over Florida in 2021 by wearing a Darth Vader costume.
Controversies
In May 2023, Eli Drinkwitz faced some backlash for comments he made regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for student-athletes. He compared the earnings of some players to that of his brother-in-law, a pediatrician, which drew criticism from some in the media. Drinkwitz later clarified his remarks, stating that they were taken out of context and that he is fully supportive of players earning money through NIL, but expressed concerns about the need for financial guidance for young athletes receiving large sums of money. In February 2025, a formal ethics complaint was filed against Drinkwitz with the Missouri Ethics Commission after he publicly endorsed a mayoral candidate during a university-affiliated radio show, which was alleged to be a violation of the university’s political activity policy for employees.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Followers information is dynamic and not provided in the search results.
- YouTube – No official personal channel found.
Final Words about Eli Drinkwitz
Eli Drinkwitz has firmly established himself as one of the rising stars in college football coaching. His rapid ascent from high school coaching to leading a prominent SEC program is a testament to his innovative offensive mind, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with his players. He has successfully transformed the Missouri Tigers into a nationally competitive team, marked by back-to-back 10-win seasons and a major bowl victory. As he continues to build the program through strong recruiting and a dynamic team culture, the future looks bright for both Drinkwitz and Missouri football. His journey is one of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a deep passion for the game, making him a compelling figure to watch in the years to come.
