Reports: Missouri Tigers’ Dave Steckel to Become Missouri State Head Coach
According to a report from the Springfield News-Leader on Saturday, Missouri Tigers defensive coordinator Dave Steckel is expected to be named the head football coach at Missouri State on Sunday. The school has called a press conference for 5:00 PM on Sunday to announce the decision.
The 57-year-old Steckel also holds the responsibilities of associate head coach and linebackers coach in addition to being the defensive coordinator. Steckel, who has been in coaching for 32 years in total, has been on the Tigers’ staff as the linebackers coach since 2001 and took over as the coordinator in 2009 following the departure of Matt Eberflus. Over his tenure at Missouri, Steckel has overseen the development of linebackers Zaviar Gooden, Andrew Gachkar and Sean Weatherspoon into NFL players. He also was able to use linebackers Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer very effectively in 2014, as the duo finished second and fifth, respectively, in the SEC in tackles.
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With Steckel’s anticipated departure, there are several options to take over his responsibilities as coordinator. Defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski, who along with quarterbacks coach Andy Hill is one of the Tigers’ longest-tenured coaches. He has sent 12 of his defensive linemen to the NFL and figures to send at least two more there this year, with defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden projected to be possible first-rounders. Kuligowski has consistently developed effective pass rushers, and he’s overdue for a promotion.
Mizzou may also be interested in bringing back Barry Odom, who was the safeties coach from 2003 to 2011 before leaving to accept the defensive coordinator job at Memphis. His defense ranked 21st among FBS teams in total defense this season.