Drinkwitz Rejects Florida State Job Rumors
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said on November 3 that he is not a candidate for Florida State’s coaching vacancy, as the Tigers prepare to visit Texas on November 7.
Eli Drinkwitz moved to quell speculation about Florida State’s coaching search on November 3, telling reporters he was not a candidate to replace Mike Norvell. The Missouri coach made the statement before questions at a press conference ahead of the Tigers’ game at Texas on November 7.
“I’m not a candidate at Florida State,” Drinkwitz said, adding that he wanted his team focused on Texas and free of distractions.
Florida State fired Norvell on Sunday, a day after a 36-24 home loss to Clemson left the Seminoles 3-5. Norvell’s seven seasons ended with a 41-39 record. His team went 13-0 and won the ACC in 2023, but did not return to that level afterward. His buyout is estimated at about $50.3 million.
Drinkwitz has a 52-31 record at Missouri since taking over in 2020. The Tigers went 11-2 in 2023, won the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State and finished 10-3 the following season. They are 6-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play this year, after beating Arkansas 34-10.
Missouri extended Drinkwitz’s contract through 2031 last November, with an average annual value above $10.7 million. After Texas, the Tigers are scheduled to face Georgia on the road, host Kentucky and finish the regular season against Oklahoma. Missouri likely needs to win at least three of its final four games to remain in contention for the College Football Playoff.