A Strategic Investment in the Tigers' Staff
Missouri’s football program announced a sweeping revision of its assistant coaching contracts this offseason, committing an additional $485,000 per year to the combined pay of six position coaches. The extensions were revealed alongside a $4 million boost to the staff salary pool that head coach Eli Drinkwitz secured for his unit.
Among the coaches receiving new terms, Brian Early, who oversees the defensive ends, will see a $100,000 raise and remain under contract through January 2027, bringing his annual compensation to $575,000. Curtis Luper, the running backs coach, earned a two‑year extension through January 2028 and a $50,000 increase, positioning his salary at $625,000 per season.
Derek Nicholson, the linebackers coach, received a one‑year extension through the 2028 season and a $85,000 raise, also reaching $625,000 annually. Jacob Yoro, the safeties coach, will now earn $375,000 in total pay, a $225,000 jump from the previous year, and his contract runs through January 2027.
Al Pogue, the cornerbacks coach, was granted a $25,000 raise, though the length of his extension was not disclosed. Jacob Peeler’s deal was extended, but the amendment posted to the Mizzou website reflects a prior 2024 agreement. The university also welcomed five new assistants — Chip Lindsey, John Papuchis, Garrett Riley, Alex Atkins and Chop Harbin — whose combined contracts are valued at $1.96 million.
The financial commitment places Missouri’s assistant pay budget at $16 million per year, ranking the program in the upper half of the SEC and signaling a strategic investment in competitiveness. While Harbin’s contract details remain unpublished, the overall package underscores the university’s ambition to attract top coaching talent.