Mizzou football announces extension for defensive coordinator Corey Batoon
The mastermind behind a top-20 defense is staying in Columbia a little bit longer.
With less than a month before the 2025 season kicks off at Faurot Field, Mizzou announced a contract extension for defensive coordinator Corey Batoon through the 2027 season.
“We’re building something special at Mizzou, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it,” Batoon said in a Mizzou Athletics release. “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.”
Under Batoon, the Tigers’ defense held strong as one of the tougher units in college football. They ended the season at No. 17 nationally in total defense, No. 18 in passing yards allowed and No. 20 in scoring defense.
His unit also held seven opponents to 21 points or fewer while forcing at least one turnover in 10 games en route to a 10-3 season. The 2024 campaign culminated in a Music City Bowl victory.
The Tigers also ranked fifth in the country in third down conversion percentage defense and posted 10 games with five or more tackles for loss. The Tigers had three-plus sacks in four games.
The news follows head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s extension running through 2029, announced last week.
“Corey Batoon‘s impact on our program and our ‘Death Row Defense’ in just one season has been tremendous,” Drinkwitz said in a release. “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.”
Batoon is now guaranteed $1.4 million for this season, as well as a $100,000 signing bonus and $100,000 retention bonus should he remain in the position in February 2026.
