Just when the Missouri Tigers seemed to be settling into a defensive identity, the coaching carousel spins again—and this time, it’s a personal call that pulled the brake. About to earn $430,000 in total compensation during the 2024 season becomes the second defensive assistant to depart HC Eli Drinkwitz’s staff this offseason, leaving behind more than just a vacancy—he leaves a reshuffling defensive room mid-transition.

Al Davis, Missouri’s defensive line coach, has officially stepped down from his role, citing family matters as the reason for his sudden exit. The announcement came via Davis’ social media and was confirmed through a release from Mizzou Athletics:

“I’ve made the decision today to resign from my coaching position at the University of Missouri due to personal reasons to focus on family matters. I want to thank Coach Drinkwitz for giving me the opportunity to coach here over the last few years and wish the program well. They have a bright future under his leadership.” His tone carried a mix of professionalism and respect, hinting at the difficult nature of this departure.

A fixture within the program since 2021 – Davis began his tenure in Columbia as a defensive analyst before quickly earning a promotion to the defensive line role. Known for his specialized focus on the interior line, Davis brought a technician’s mindset and an intense work ethic to the trenches.

His prior stops included the University of Illinois as defensive tackles coach and a leadership stint at Hutchinson Community College, where he served as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator. For a program that prides itself on grit in the trenches, Davis’ exit feels like losing a veteran anchor in the middle of a defensive front.

Stepping into the void is David Blackwell, who will assume additional responsibilities with the defensive line. Blackwell is no stranger to the Tigers’ inner workings, having joined the staff as an analyst in 2023 before transitioning to the DTs coach role this past season. Eli Drinkwitz expressed confidence in the veteran coach’s ability to stabilize the room.

“We are fortunate to have a veteran like David to be able to step in and fill any additional coaching needs we might have at that position,” said Coach Drinkwitz. “We’re looking forward to a seamless transition as we continue preparations for the 2025 season.” At this stage, it’s unclear whether Mizzou will seek a direct replacement for Davis’ specific position or let Blackwell carry the weight.

Ghosts of Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri’s past

Another offseason, another shakeup for Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri defense. Al Davis’ departure marks the second big coaching change on the defensive side this offseason for Mizzou. Back in December, former linebackers coach DJ Smith took the defensive coordinator gig at Appalachian State, after calling Missouri ‘home’ for five long years. This transition led the Tigers to bring in Miami’s Derek Nicholson to fill that spot.

Now with Blackwell in the mix, Mizzou adds a serious veteran voice to its coaching staff. The man has more than 30 years of coaching experience under his belt and has seen it all. He’s held defensive coordinator roles at USF, Fordham, Jacksonville State, East Carolina, Old Dominion, and Louisiana Tech—so yeah, this isn’t his first rodeo.

Amid the staff swaps, there has been no further information on Al Davis’ “family matters.” The only thing we can do is now hope that everything’s alright for the now former Mizzou coach. Also, while the moves may feel like a whirlwind, they show Drinkwitz isn’t afraid to tweak and is quick to upgrade the Tigers.