**BREAKING NEWS: Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers Football Head Coach, Rejects \$45 Million Offer from Detroit Pistons to Remain with Missouri: “I Have No Plans of Leaving”**
In a surprising turn of events that has left the NCAA community buzzing, Eliah Drinkwitz, the head coach of the Missouri Tigers football team, has reportedly turned down a staggering \$45 million offer from the NBA’s Detroit Pistons to remain at the helm in Columbia. This unprecedented offer from a professional basketball team to a college football coach underscores the high regard in which Drinkwitz is held across the sports world.
### A Commitment to Missouri
Drinkwitz’s decision to stay with Missouri comes on the heels of a landmark season. Under his leadership, the Tigers achieved an impressive 11-2 record, culminating in a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. This victory marked Missouri’s first New Year’s Six bowl win during the College Football Playoff era and their first 11-win season since 2014 .([CBSSports.com][1])
In recognition of his achievements, Missouri extended Drinkwitz’s contract through the 2028 season. The new deal, valued at \$46 million, includes a salary of \$9 million for the 2024 season, with incremental increases leading up to \$9.5 million in 2028 . This contract places him among the top five highest-paid coaches in the Southeastern Conference.([STLtoday.com][2], [On3][3])
### The Unprecedented Offer
The Detroit Pistons’ offer to Drinkwitz is unprecedented, as it is highly unusual for an NBA team to pursue a college football coach for a position within professional basketball. While the specifics of the role offered remain undisclosed, the substantial financial package indicates the Pistons’ serious intent.
Despite the allure of such a lucrative offer, Drinkwitz remained steadfast in his commitment to Missouri. In a statement, he expressed his dedication to the program and its future:
> “My family and I are deeply invested in the Missouri community. The progress we’ve made with the Tigers is just the beginning, and I have no plans of leaving. Our mission here is far from over.”([Saturday Down South][4])
### Building a Legacy
Since taking over as head coach in 2020, Drinkwitz has been instrumental in revitalizing the Missouri football program. His tenure has seen the team achieve bowl eligibility in each season, with a cumulative record of 28-21 . His leadership has not only improved on-field performance but also enhanced the program’s reputation nationally.([University of Missouri Athletics][5])
The 2023 season was particularly notable, with several players receiving individual accolades. Running back Cody Schrader led the SEC in rushing yards, earning consensus All-American honors and finishing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. Quarterback Brady Cook was named the SEC’s Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and wide receiver Luther Burden III secured a first-team All-SEC selection .([University of Missouri Athletics][5], [AP News][6])
### Looking Ahead
With Drinkwitz’s continued leadership, the future of Missouri football appears bright. The program boasts a top-25 recruiting class, including five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri, signaling sustained competitiveness in the SEC .([University of Missouri Athletics][5], [AP News][6])
Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois expressed confidence in the program’s trajectory:([University of Missouri Athletics][5])
> “Coach Drinkwitz has laid a solid foundation for Missouri football. His vision and commitment are evident, and we are excited about the future under his guidance.”
### Conclusion
Eliah Drinkwitz’s decision to decline a \$45 million offer from the Detroit Pistons underscores his dedication to Missouri and his belief in the program’s potential. As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and stakeholders alike can look forward to continued growth and success under his stewardship.
* [AP News]( )
* [CBSSports.com]( source=chatgpt.com)
* [Kansas City]( )
[1]: ource=chatgpt.com “Missouri extends coach Eli Drinkwitz through 2028 after 11-win season, victory over Ohio State in Cotton Bowl – CBSSports.com”
[2]: 869322a13d.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mizzou’s Drinkwitz, Moore receive raises in new contracts”
[3]: “Eli Drinkwitz contract extension: Salary, details revealed – On3”
[4]: https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/mizzou-football/eli-drinkwitz-receives-contract-extension-after-sensational-season-at-missouri-cotton-bowl-win/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Eli Drinkwitz receives contract extension after sensational season at Missouri, Cotton Bowl win”
[5]: “Mizzou Announces Contract Extension for Eliah Drinkwitz – University of Missouri Athletics”
[6]: “Missouri gives coach Drinkwitz a contract
extension through the 2028 season | AP News”
