Columbia News

Mizzou football defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the program through the 2027 season, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz announced Thursday.

Batoon joined Missouri in February 2024 and quickly influenced the team's performance. In his first season, he led the Tigers' defense to significant national rankings improvements. The defense moved into the top 20 in several statistical categories and contributed to a 10-win season, including a victory in the Music City Bowl.

"We're building something special at Mizzou, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it," Batoon said. "This program is full of talented student-athletes and coaches who take pride in doing things the right way. I'm thankful to Coach Drinkwitz and the administration for their trust, and I look forward to continuing to elevate our standard of excellence on the defensive side of the ball."

In 2024, Missouri's defense was ranked fifth nationally in third down conversion percentage defense, improving from previous rankings of 33rd and 47th over the last two seasons. The team also improved its national ranking in total defense (No. 17), passing yards allowed (No. 18), and scoring defense (No. 20).

"Corey Batoon's impact on our program and our 'Death Row Defense' in just one season has been tremendous," Drinkwitz said. "He's an incredible teacher and tactician and a relentless competitor. His leadership, preparation and ability to maximize our players' potential helped us significantly on the defensive side in 2024. We're proud to have him leading our defense as we continue to raise the bar and compete for championships at Mizzou."

During Batoon's first year, Missouri's defense held seven opponents to 21 points or fewer and forced turnovers in ten games. The unit recorded ten games with five or more tackles for loss, along with four games where they achieved three or more sacks. Defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. earned Second Team All-SEC honors after finishing with a seven-game sack streak—the longest nationally—and achieving one of Missouri's best individual sack totals.

Batoon brings over thirty years of coaching experience, including more than fifteen as a defensive coordinator. His career includes two conference titles (2003, 2017), a divisional championship (2019), four FCS playoff appearances, twelve bowl games, and three nominations for the Broyles Award recognizing top assistant coaches (2021, 2023, 2024).

Before joining Missouri, Batoon served as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at South Alabama from 2021–23 where he helped lead teams to bowl appearances during his final two seasons. His coaching history also includes positions at Ole Miss, Hawaii, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Arkansas State, and Northern Arizona.

Missouri opens its 2025 football season on Thursday, August 28 against Central Arkansas at Memorial Stadium.

For further information about Mizzou Athletics visit MUTigers.com or follow Missouri football (@MizzouFootball) as well as Coach Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) on X.