After reports Saturday stating it was close to happening, it has now happened: Missouri defensive coordinator and longtime Gary Pinkel lieutenant Dave Steckel is now the head coach at FCS Missouri State.
Steckel was introduced at a press conference Sunday evening in Springfield.
Steckel jumped into coaching as a graduate assistant at Miami (Ohio) in 1982 and has been an assistant every step of the way until now, including 16 years working for Pinkel.Stec: “I have to worry about a whole team instead of half a team but it’s still football.”
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) December 14, 2014
Steckel first served as his defensive line coach at Toledo from 1993-94, and then followed him to Missouri, first as linebackers coach, then as defensive coordinator from 2009 through this fall. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2011.
Very happy for @Coach_Stec. Appreciate his time and hard work with the #Mizzou Family! Now let’s win the game for Stec. GP
— Coach Gary Pinkel (@GaryPinkel) December 15, 2014
“His reputation within the industry is impeccable, and he has a proven track record of success,” Missouri State athletics director Kyle Moats told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “He has coached and recruited in the toughest league in America. His defenses have been at the top of the Big 12, SEC and national rankings in many statistical categories. With him, a new attitude and culture begins today.”
Steckel will make $270,000 as head coach at Missouri State, less than half of the reported $600,000 he earned as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator, but nearly double what his predecessor Terry Allen earned. With no SEC Network and College Football Playoff contract to pull money out of thin air, Missouri State will eliminate a $60,000 position and raise the remaining $60,000 through private funding.
Steckel helped Missouri win four division championships - Big 12 North titles in 2007 and 2008 and SEC East crowns the last two seasons. His defenses led the SEC in sacks in 2013 and 2014 and helped him earn a nod as a Broyles Award finalist this season.
With the loss of Steckel, Missouri joins Florida and Texas A&M among SEC schools with defensive coordinator vacancies.
Steckel’s final game with the Tigers will be the Citrus Bowl against No. 25 Minnesota on New Year’s Day (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
