Gary Pinkel gets a new contract
The University of Missouri System Board of Curators has approved an amended contract for Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel that will keep him on the Mizzou sideline through Dec. 31, 2021. Already the winningest coach in Mizzou history with 113 wins in 14 seasons, Pinkel will see an increase in his guaranteed salary to $4,020,000 per year, up from the previous $3,200,000 figure.
Pinkel is the 25th-winningest coach in NCAA FCS history (4th among active coaches), with his 186 career victories in 24 seasons overall. His Tigers have won five conference divisional titles since 2007, which is tied for most in the nation during that stretch, and Mizzou’s 76 wins in that timeframe is tied for 5th-most nationally among Power 5 leagues.
Mizzou is coming off of back-to-back Southeastern Conference Eastern Division titles, with a combined 14-2 record within the league in 2013 and 2014. His team was picked to finish fourth in the SEC East this past season, but exceeded expectations once again, on the way to an 11-3 overall record, which included the East title, as well as the Citrus Bowl championship. Pinkel was named SEC Coach of the Year for his efforts by his league counterparts.
As part of the new agreement, maximum performance incentives for Pinkel have been adjusted to a total of $725,000, from the previous maximum potential of $1,825,000.
“The success of our football program has helped elevate the university’s national profile and Gary’s teams have provided some incredibly proud moments for all Missourians,” said MU Chancellor Dr. R. Bowen Loftin. “His commitment to excellence is exemplified not only in his on-field success, but in the academic achievements of his student-athletes and the high character young men who graduate from MU. This commitment to Gary is well-earned.”
“With the tremendous academic and competitive successes of our football program,” said Director of Athletics Mike Alden, “including winning the last two SEC East championships, Gary is well-deserving of this extension. His impact on our students, athletic department and University are immeasurable and he represents what is great about Mizzou. I know the Tigers are in great hands for a long time to come.”
“I want to thank Chancellor Loftin and Mike Alden for their continuing commitment and belief in what we are doing at Mizzou,” said Pinkel. “We’ve shared some pretty amazing success together over the years, and as competitors we all know there’s more to be done. I’ve never been more excited to be here and to pursue excellence with such a great leadership team, and such an amazing and dedicated coaching staff. We’re excited to partner with Mack Rhoades going forward and continue to build a program that Mizzou fans will be proud of,” he said.
“Coach Pinkel has established himself as one of the premier football coaches in America and he has certainly created a championship culture and tradition at Mizzou,” said incoming Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades. “I’m excited to get to work with Gary and help him and his staff continue their incredible run of success.”
Press release from Mizzou Athletics.
