Missouri players react to departure of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel

Missouri Tigers defensive coordinator Dave Steckel was officially announced as the next head coach of the Missouri State Bears on Sunday night after 14 years as an assistant coach at Missouri.

Steckel had also been the Tigers’ defensive coordinator since 2009.

Current players shared their thoughts on Steckel’s departure via Twitter once the news was made official.

Love coach stec to death and I wish him nothing but the best. Wouldn’t have wanted to play for any other LB coach.

— Kentrell Brothers✈✈ (@Kentrell_Mizzou) December 14, 2014

It’s hard to see Coach Stec go but I am happy for him and no one deserves this more than him. There is no other coach in the country that..

— Michael Scherer (@Mike_Scherer38) December 15, 2014

I would have wanted to play for the past 3 years. He has treated me and everyone else in this program like one of his own. I will miss

— Michael Scherer (@Mike_Scherer38) December 15, 2014

You and I love you Coach. Thanks for everything you’ve thought me and for being like a second father to me. No matter where we may be you…

— Michael Scherer (@Mike_Scherer38) December 15, 2014

Will always be my coach and we will always be family #GiddyUp

— Michael Scherer (@Mike_Scherer38) December 15, 2014

I can honestly say I’m blessed to have had Stec as my DC for my college career wouldnt have wanted to get yelled at by anyone else!

— Lucas Vincent (@High_Chief_LV96) December 15, 2014

Gunna miss a Great Coach here at Mizzou! But Missouri State just gained a special guy! #GiddyUp pic.twitter.com/S9J14lfJgd

— Evan Boehm 7⃣7⃣ (@BIGboehmTHEORY) December 15, 2014

Love you coach Stec, really gonna miss you!! ?⬆️

— Joe Burkett (@_jburkett34) December 15, 2014

#Mizzou releases statement from Gary Pinkel on Dave Steckel leaving for Missouri State pic.twitter.com/5p31LmBg7W

— Austin Kim (@AustinKKim) December 15, 2014