Missouri football quietly made one of its most consequential offseason moves yet, a clear indication that the program’s recent momentum is being treated as a starting point rather than a finish line. Instead of growing comfortable with progress already made, the Tigers moved with the understanding that sustained success in the SEC demands constant evolution. While much of the national spotlight has drifted toward louder offseason storylines, there has been a steady and deliberate sense of urgency behind the scenes in Columbia — a shared belief that the next step forward requires more than simply returning experienced players or relying on past results.
That mindset shaped how the Tigers’ leadership approached the offseason. Rather than settling for minor tweaks or cosmetic changes, the focus centered on reinforcing the foundation of the program, sharpening the details that often decide tight games, and building a staff structure capable of withstanding the relentless week-to-week grind of SEC competition. It’s the kind of calculated move that rarely generates immediate noise, but tends to reveal its value over time — in preparation, consistency, and execution when the pressure is highest and the season hangs in the balance.
That approach resulted in four significant assistant coaching additions for the 2026 season, announced by head coach Eli Drinkwitz. John Papuchis joins to coordinate special teams and assist defensively, Alex Atkins takes over the tight ends, Lavorn “Chop” Harbin steps in to oversee the defensive line, and Garrett Riley will coach the quarterbacks. The hires touch every phase of the game and bring playoff-level experience into the building.
Beyond the names, the profiles matter. Papuchis arrives with a reputation for elite special teams and NFL player development. Atkins brings offensive versatility and a track record of maximizing production in multiple systems. Harbin adds edge and recruiting firepower to the defensive front, while Riley’s résumé includes developing high-level quarterbacks on championship-contending teams.
Just as important, Missouri didn’t stop there. Returning staff members were given expanded responsibilities, reinforcing continuity while layering in new voices and ideas. The result is a staff that blends familiarity with fresh perspective — a balance many programs struggle to achieve during growth phases.
Taken together, this wasn’t a flashy announcement for the sake of headlines. It was a calculated, program-defining move. Missouri is clearly thinking beyond the next kickoff, laying groundwork that suggests expectations are rising in Columbia — and that the Tigers intend to be ready when opportunity knocks.