Less than a month after Mizzou linebackers coach D.J. Smith took the defensive coordinator position at his alma mater, Appalachian State, Eli Drinkwitz has found his replacement.
Per multiple reports, MU has hired former Miami (FL) linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Derek Nicholson to replace Smith.
Missouri is expected to hire Miami’s Derek Nicholson as its new linebackers coach, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
Nicholson was co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Miami the last two years after previously working at Louisville. (ESPN 1st).… pic.twitter.com/KDLVYgXIYL— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 16, 2025Nicholson was with the Hurricanes for the past two seasons; the title of co-defensive coordinator was added prior to the 2024 season.