COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri head football coach Eliah Drinkwitz announced Thursday that Derek Nicholson will join the Tigers football program and serve as an assistant coach. Nicholson will coach Mizzou’s linebackers.
Nicholson comes to Columbia after a two-year stint at the University of Miami under head coach Mario Cristobal. He served one season (2023) as the Hurricanes linebackers coach before being elevated to his most recent position as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2024.
“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 ‘Death Row Defense’ as we continue to take these next steps forward as a program. We could not be more excited to welcome Derek, Onnie and their entire family to Columbia”
While in Coral Gables, Nicholson helped the Hurricanes to a 17-9 overall record, including a 10-3 mark in 2024 for their first 10-win season since 2017. During that time, Miami registered nine Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) wins, participated in two bowl games (2023 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe and 2024 Pop-Tarts) and finished with an 11-2 mark at Hard Rock Stadium.
Nicholson had a hand in the development of two-time Second Team All-ACC linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who led the Hurricanes in tackles (82 and 96) and tackles for loss (18.0 and 11.0) in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, Nicholson’s linebacking group helped the Hurricanes rank in the top-20 in sacks and rushing defense the last two seasons.
“I appreciate and respect the culture Coach Drinkwitz has built at Mizzou and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to join his staff,” Nicholson said. “I think we align in a lot of ways in how we want to lead these young men and I’m excited to get started working with the staff and student-athletes as we strive for success, on and off the field. My family and I can’t wait to get to Columbia.”
Prior to his time at Miami, Nicholson served three seasons (2020-22) as the inside linebackers coach on Scott Satterfield’s staff at the University of Louisville. While there, Nicholson and the Cardinals earned 18 wins and two bowl invitations (2021 ServPro…
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