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Missouri has hired former Miami linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Derek Nicholson to be its linebackers coach in 2025.
Missouri football’s social media officially announced the 38-year-old Nicholson’s addition to Eli Drinkwitz’s coaching staff, tweeting a 5-word message on Thursday afternoon that read: “Welcome to Columbia Coach Nicholson!”
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Drinkwitz was energized by Nicholson’s hire, releasing a statement that read:
“Derek brings a wealth of experience with him both as a coach, coordinator and former NFL player,” Drinkwitz said. “What stood out to us was his energy and passion for the game and his proven ability to develop high-level talent. We believe he’ll be a perfect fit to help mentor our (defense) as we continue to take these next steps forward as a program.”
Nicholson spent the past 2 seasons at Miami. In 2023, he was only the Hurricanes’ linebackers coach before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the 2024 season.
Miami’s defense improved greatly in Nicholson’s 2 years with the program. In 2022, the Hurricanes allowed 375 yards per game, ranking 65th in the country. But in 2024, Miami only gave up 327.2 yards per game, which was the 27th-least in the nation.
Now, Nicholson will head from the ACC to the SEC and a big-time challenge with Missouri, which is looking to build on a 10-3 season in 2024.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
