COLUMBIA, MO. • Derek Dooley, Barry Odom’s choice as Missouri’s next offensive coordinator, checks several boxes that make him a compelling, though unexpected, hire:
Head-coaching experience? Check.
NFL experience? Check.
Nick Saban connections? Check.
Southeastern Conference experience? Check. Check. Check.
Still, at first blush, Dooley’s selection is surprising if for only one reason. Two, actually. He’s never been an offensive coordinator and never coached quarterbacks as his primary assignment.
At Mizzou, Dooley, 49, will handle both roles and take over an offense that’s led the SEC in yards per game each of the last two years.