COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri is closing in on former Miami assistant coach Derek Nicholson to coach its linebackers, a source familiar with discussions told the Post-Dispatch.
His hiring — which will fill the only open assistant position on coach Eli Drinkwitz's staff — is being finalized Thursday and will likely be official soon. ESPN first reported MU's interest in Nicholson.
Nicholson, 38, spent two years with the Hurricanes and was a star middle linebacker during his playing days.
He replaces D.J. Smith, Mizzou's former linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator, who departed in December to become the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State.