COLUMBIA, Mo. • Nothing about the last few weeks was part of Gary Pinkel’s exit strategy. Not cancer, not a woeful offense, not a last-place team.
Hoisted on the shoulders of offensive lineman Evan Boehm and Connor McGovern, Missouri’s coach appreciated the ride off Faurot Field Saturday night, but the look on Pinkel’s face, head bowed to the turf, captured his true feelings.
He was not worthy.
That’s what he told his players after the 19-8 loss to Tennessee in the final home game of his 15 seasons at Mizzou.
“When it’s tough to win, it’s my job to find a way to win.