How desirable of a position was the open defensive coordinator spot in Columbia?

Based on the coach Eli Drinkwitz hired to fill the role, it was a very desirable position in the coaching world.

According to multiple reports, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks will be Mizzou’s next defensive coordinator. This news was first reported by Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.

Wilks did not coach during the 2020 season, with his most recent coaching experience coming as defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns during the 2019 season. He served only one season as Arizona’s head coach back in 2018 when the team went 3–13.

Wilks has a wealth of experience coaching in the NFL, serving as a defensive assistant coach with the Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears. His last college job was with Washington back in 2005.

Mizzou had an opening at the defensive coordinator position after Ryan Walters left the program to serve as Bret Bielema’s first defensive coordinator at Illinois.