Listening to 'That SEC podcast' the other day, they had a segment reviewing each SEC coach and the likelihood of them bolting from their current program to another SEC program. 0-10, 0 being least likely to and 10 being most likely. They rated Drink an 8. On the higher end of most coaches discussed and likely to leave if he has another successful year.
It got me thinking, if Drink pulls off the season we anticipate can happen this year, we make the CFP, etc. Would he indeed bolt for another SEC gig?
Consider all of the pros Drink has for sticking around:
Close to his Midwestern roots/family
NIL era, we're clearing competing well and the in-state law favors us
We'd pony up competitively across the board to retain him
The culture/foundation has been laid and 'the sleeping giant' is just now rising out of bed
He's recruiting well and that will only get better with success/NIL
Transfer Portal has treated Mizzou well with high performing prospects seeking to prove themselves
Local talent within borders are beginning to take notice
NEZ renovations/fan engagement is up across the board and the state as a whole
Buy-in and support for CFB/Drink's vision from BOC
Less pressure gig for the long term - he's not getting canned here with a .500 season every now and then
To me, it seems like this is the perfect storm for Drink to sustain success at a program that's never been able to. And NO - this isn't me worrying if Drink is going to bolt, I'm just genuinely curious with all the hard work he's put into building this program and all of our resources aligning at the right time, if Drink may see this as a longer-term opportunity in his career.
It got me thinking, if Drink pulls off the season we anticipate can happen this year, we make the CFP, etc. Would he indeed bolt for another SEC gig?
Consider all of the pros Drink has for sticking around:
Close to his Midwestern roots/family
NIL era, we're clearing competing well and the in-state law favors us
We'd pony up competitively across the board to retain him
The culture/foundation has been laid and 'the sleeping giant' is just now rising out of bed
He's recruiting well and that will only get better with success/NIL
Transfer Portal has treated Mizzou well with high performing prospects seeking to prove themselves
Local talent within borders are beginning to take notice
NEZ renovations/fan engagement is up across the board and the state as a whole
Buy-in and support for CFB/Drink's vision from BOC
Less pressure gig for the long term - he's not getting canned here with a .500 season every now and then
To me, it seems like this is the perfect storm for Drink to sustain success at a program that's never been able to. And NO - this isn't me worrying if Drink is going to bolt, I'm just genuinely curious with all the hard work he's put into building this program and all of our resources aligning at the right time, if Drink may see this as a longer-term opportunity in his career.
