$28.8 million head coach named top candidate for next college football coaching cycle

The 2025-2026 college football coaching carousel was tumultuous, with nearly 20 Power Four programs making head coaching changes, starting with DeShaun Foster's dismissal from UCLA and concluding with Kyle Whittingham's appointment at Michigan. Despite the previous season's upheaval, the upcoming offseason is anticipated to be quieter, though some programs remain dissatisfied with their current coaches.

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is highlighted as a potential candidate for other programs in the 2026-2027 coaching carousel. Drinkwitz, noted for bringing in six new assistants and excelling in recruiting from the transfer portal, has garnered attention for his ability to lead Missouri to SEC victories. His coaching career includes stints at Auburn, Arkansas State, Boise State, and NC State, where he worked with notable quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Ryan Finley.

Drinkwitz initially gained recognition as the head coach at Appalachian State in 2019, leading them to an 11-win season and a Sun Belt Championship.