Missouri has officially announced that Erik Link will follow coach Eliah Drinkwitz from Appalachian State, joining the Tigers coaching staff as special teams coordinator, confirming recent reports.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Mizzou family,” Link said in MU’s announcement. “I am humbled at the opportunity to work with the outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff at the University of Missouri. My family and I are grateful to Coach Drinkwitz and look forward to working every day to attack success and to embracing the Columbia community,” he said.

Link’s unit impressed at Appalachian State. The Mountaineers led the nation with seven blocked kicks (five kicks, two punts) while not allowing a blocked kick/punt in the 2019 season. App State also led the Sun Belt in punt return coverage, kickoff return yardage and kickoff return coverage.

“Erik is a man of high character with a background in teaching and coaching,” Drinkwitz said in the announcement. “His special teams units are detailed and very sound, and his guys play hard. They focus on effort, execution and high energy,” he said.

Link and Drinkwitz have some SEC familiarity, as they were both on staff at Auburn during the 2010 BCS championship season. Link returned to the AU staff in 2013 as a special teams/offensive analyst through the 2015 season.