Mizzou formally appoints Early from Houston as their coach for defensive line and edge positions.
Just shy of a month following the exits of defensive coordinator Blake Baker and defensive line coach Kevin Peoples to LSU, Mizzou football has replenished its defensive staff.
The squad revealed on Friday the official appointment of former Houston defensive line coach Brian Early as the new defensive line and edge coach, a role previously held by Peoples. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports initially disclosed on Wednesday the impending hiring of the 30-year coaching veteran.
After spending five seasons at Houston, Early will collaborate with first-year Missouri defensive coordinator Corey Batoon, who stepped in to fill Baker’s position last month.
In a statement released on Thursday, head coach Eli Drinkwitz noted that Early had been under the team’s consideration for some time.
“The statistics speak for themselves,” Drinkwitz remarked. “Whether at Houston or Arkansas State, Brian’s players demonstrate technical proficiency, adeptness in pass rushing, and notable productivity in sacks and tackles for loss.”
Since 2020, Early has mentored four NFL Draft picks and two undrafted free agents. In the previous season, two Cougars defensive linemen—Nelson Ceaser and Ja’Maree Caldwell—garnered All-Big 12 accolades, with Ceaser securing a spot on the first team with 9½ sacks.
Reflecting on his appointment, Early expressed enthusiasm, stating, “What Coach Drinkwitz and the Missouri football program are constructing makes this opportunity extremely attractive. The spirited performance of this team in the Cotton Bowl is evident when you watch the tape. ‘Something To Prove’ isn’t merely a slogan; it’s a mindset that aligns with the ethos I’ve embraced throughout my coaching journey.”
