Eli Drinkwitz praises new offensive coordinator with Auburn connection
Here's what Drinkwitz had to say about his new offensive coordinator that used to coach at Auburn
Olivia Bennett 
Eli Drinkwitz is bringing some familiar SEC experience to Columbia, as the Missouri head coach leans into a staffer with deep ties to the Auburn Tigers.
A New OC with SEC Pedigree
Missouri turned heads this offseason by hiring Chip Lindsey as the program's new offensive coordinator following his one-year stint at Michigan. Lindsey, an Alabama native, brings a resume that includes significant time on The Plains. He served as an offensive assistant at Auburn during the 2013 season and later returned to coordinate the Tigers' offense in 2017 and 2018 under Gus Malzahn.
Following his successful tenure at Auburn, Lindsey transitioned to a head coaching role at Troy. Since then, he has gained experience as an offensive coordinator at Central Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan. While his path has seen him bounce around since departing Troy, Drinkwitz believes Lindsey is the perfect fit for the Tigers in 2026.
Why Drinkwitz is Buying In
Speaking at SEC Media Days, Drinkwitz expressed high confidence in his new hire. "I think Chip’s been a really good football coach for a long time, but it hasn’t ended the way he wants to in his last couple of jobs," Drinkwitz said. "I think he’s got something to prove. And for me, that’s always the right kind of guy to hire."
Drinkwitz emphasized that he views Lindsey as an "excellent football coach," specifically highlighting the high-water mark of his career during his time at Auburn. "When he was at his best at the high mark of his career, he was the offensive coordinator at Auburn and doing really great things there," Drinkwitz added. "He’s got an understanding of holding a standard, being a head football coach, and he’s got a great track record of coaching quarterbacks. And he’s been in this league before."
Looking Ahead
Fans hoping for a reunion between Lindsey and his former team will have to wait, as Auburn and Missouri are not scheduled to face each other during the 2026 regular season. Both programs are gearing up for kickoff: Missouri opens its season on Sept. 3 against Arkansas Pine Bluff, while Auburn begins its campaign two days later on Sept. 5 against Baylor.
