Not surprisingly, Eli Drinkwitz‘s first coaching staff in Columbia is taking on a bit of a Boone feel to it.
Although it has yet to be confirmed, Drinkwitz is expected to add Appalachian State special teams coordinator Erik Link in the same capacity at Missouri. What has been confirmed, though, is that Drinkwitz has brought Charlie Harbison along with him to the Tigers, a release from the football program announced.
Right now, Harbison will carry the official title of Associate Head Coach/Defense; his specific duties will be spelled out later.
“Charlie brings a wealth of experience with him to the defensive side of the football, having coached at the highest levels including the SEC and the NFL,” said Drinkwitz in a statement. “He’s an outstanding man of character who knows what it means to mentor players both in football and in life.”
Harbison spent one season with Drinkwitz at App State, where he served as the Mountaineers’ cornerbacks coach. He was also the Sun Belt school’s associated head coach.
Previously, Harbison has spent time as the defensive coordinator or co-defensive coordinator at three Power Five programs -- Auburn (2013-14), Clemson (2009-12) and Mississippi State (2008). He’s also was the cornerbacks coach at Alabama from 1998-2000.
In addition to bringing in coaches that worked on his staff at App State, he’s expected to retain at least three of Barry Odom‘s former assistants, including defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ryan Walters, defensive line coach Brick Haley, and defensive backs coach David Gibbs. Those retentions have yet to be officially announced.