Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz took to social media this week to honor one of the most influential figures in his professional journey, responding to the retirement announcement of his longtime mentor, Gus Malzahn. Malzahn, a well-respected and widely influential coach in college football, formally announced his retirement after 35 years in the profession through a heartfelt letter shared publicly on Monday.
For Drinkwitz, Malzahn’s announcement marked more than the end of a distinguished coaching career—it represented the conclusion of a mentorship that helped shape his philosophy, career trajectory, and identity as a coach. Drinkwitz’s connection to Malzahn dates back more than two decades, beginning with his very first coaching opportunity.
Drinkwitz entered the coaching world in 2004 when he accepted an offensive assistant position at Springdale High School in Arkansas. At the time, Malzahn was the head coach at Springdale and had already begun to establish a reputation as an innovative offensive mind. Working under Malzahn provided Drinkwitz with an early immersion into a coaching philosophy that emphasized creativity, player development, and relentless energy—principles that would later become staples of Drinkwitz’s own approach.
Malzahn’s retirement letter reflected on the people who shaped his long career, offering gratitude to the coaches, players, and staff members he worked alongside over the decades. He highlighted the lasting relationships he formed and referred to many of those colleagues as lifelong friends. The message resonated across the college football world, particularly among the many coaches who trace their professional roots back to Malzahn’s influence.
Drinkwitz was quick to respond publicly, sharing his appreciation and admiration in a comment on Malzahn’s social media post. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!” Drinkwitz wrote. “You represented what it means to be called a ‘Coach.’” The brief but powerful message underscored the personal and professional impact Malzahn had on Drinkwitz, particularly during the formative years of his career.
Drinkwitz is far from the only current head coach who benefitted from Malzahn’s mentorship. Over the years, Malzahn developed an extensive coaching tree that now stretches across the college football landscape. Among the most notable names are Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, and SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee. Each of these coaches, like Drinkwitz, carried lessons learned under Malzahn into leadership roles of their own, spreading his influence throughout the sport.
After Malzahn left Springdale High School in 2005 to pursue opportunities at the collegiate level, Drinkwitz remained in high school coaching for several more years. From 2005 through 2009, he continued to refine his craft, gaining valuable experience and building a foundation that would prepare him for the next step in his career. During that same period, Malzahn’s ascent through the college ranks accelerated rapidly.
By 2009, Malzahn had earned a prominent role as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Auburn University. His offensive system quickly made an impact in the Southeastern Conference, drawing national attention for its pace, creativity, and effectiveness. Recognizing Drinkwitz’s potential and familiarity with his system, Malzahn extended an opportunity that would significantly alter Drinkwitz’s career path.
Ahead of the 2010 season, Malzahn brought Drinkwitz onto Auburn’s coaching staff as a quality control coach. Though the position was behind the scenes, it provided Drinkwitz with invaluable exposure to high-level college football operations. It also reunited mentor and protégé at one of the most storied programs in the country.
Drinkwitz spent two seasons on Auburn’s staff alongside Malzahn, and those years proved to be among the most successful in the program’s history. The 2010 season culminated in a national championship, as Auburn finished the year undefeated at 14–0 and captured the BCS National Championship. The Tigers’ offense, orchestrated by Malzahn and supported by his staff, became one of the most explosive units college football had seen.
Quarterback Cam Newton served as the centerpiece of that historic run, delivering a Heisman Trophy-winning season and cementing his place in college football lore. The collaboration between Malzahn and Drinkwitz during that period helped establish Auburn as the nation’s premier scoring offense, showcasing a system that maximized player strengths and emphasized efficiency and tempo.
For Drinkwitz, being part of a national championship staff provided firsthand insight into what it takes to build and sustain a championship-level program. The experience reinforced lessons he had begun learning years earlier at Springdale—about leadership, preparation, and trust—while also exposing him to the pressures and expectations that come with competing at the highest level of the sport.
After the 2011 season, Drinkwitz continued to climb the coaching ranks, eventually earning head coaching opportunities of his own. Yet even as his career progressed, the imprint of Malzahn’s mentorship remained evident. From offensive philosophy to program culture, Drinkwitz consistently demonstrated the influence of the coach who first gave him a chance.
In his closing remarks on social media, Drinkwitz encouraged Malzahn to continue making a positive impact beyond the sidelines. “See you soon and I’ll have the coffee ready,” he added, a lighthearted line that reflected the close personal bond the two share. The message suggested that while Malzahn may be stepping away from coaching, his relationships—and influence—are far from over.
While Drinkwitz’s tribute captured attention within the football community, Missouri athletics as a whole continues to make headlines across multiple sports. Missouri gymnastics currently ranks No. 7 in the latest Road to Nationals standings, maintaining the same position the team has held since Week 2 of the season. The Tigers began the year ranked No. 2 nationally, their highest placement of the season, and have remained among the nation’s elite as the postseason approaches.
The consistency shown by the gymnastics program reflects a broader sense of stability and competitiveness across Missouri athletics. This weekend, Columbia will serve as a hub for Tiger sports, with several programs in action at home. Track and field, gymnastics, tennis, and women’s basketball are all scheduled to compete, giving fans plenty of opportunities to support their teams.
Together, these moments—from Drinkwitz’s reflection on his coaching roots to Missouri’s continued success across athletic programs—highlight the interconnected nature of mentorship, legacy, and growth in sports. As Malzahn steps into retirement, his impact lives on through the coaches he mentored, the players he guided, and the programs shaped by his vision. For Eli Drinkwitz, that legacy is deeply personal, serving as both a reminder of where his journey began and a benchmark for the kind of coach he strives to be.
