Mizzou Defensive Line Coach Resigns From Position

The Tigers are losing a key member of their coaching staff late in the offseason and will call on a current member to take a step up.

Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Missouri Tigers helmet against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Missouri Tigers defensive line coach Al Davis is resigning from his position, according to his social media and a Mizzou Athletics release. Davis cited family matters as the reason for his resignation.

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— Coach AL Davis (@DLineGURU) May 16, 2025

Davis joined the coaching staff in 2021 as a defensive analyst and his role was elevated to the defensive line coaching role shortly after that. He specialized in the interior of the defensive line early into his time at the position, as well. He was previously the defensive tackles coach at the University of Illinois and the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator at Hutchinson Community College.

The Tigers will be looking for a new defensive line coach, but in the meantime, defensive tackle coach David Blackwell is expected to see an elevated role alongside edge coach Brian Early. Whether there will be a direct replacement for Davis's role in the near future is unknown.

"We are fortunate to have a veteran in David to be able to step in and fill any additional coaching needs we might have at that position," Drinkwitz said in a release. "We're looking forward to a seamless transition as we continue preparations for the 2025 season."

Blackwell is a defensive line coaching veteran, starting with the Tigers in 2023 as an analyst. He moved into the defensive tackle coach role in 2024. Prior to that, Blackwell has 11 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, Old Dominion, Jacksonville State, Fordham and South Florida.

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