Mizzou to Add Player-Turned-Coach Sabbath Joseph to Defensive Staff

Mizzou’s defense quietly put together an impressive 2024 campaign, finishing among the nation’s best by allowing just 20.4 points and 317.5 yards per game — ranking 20th and 17th nationally, respectively. With no departures to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tigers return a veteran-heavy unit anchored by their top four tacklers: linebackers Corey Flagg Jr. and Triston Newson, and safeties Marvin Burks Jr. and Daylan Carnell.

A potential spark to the move was linebackers coach Derek Nicholson, who was another addition to the staff during this off-season. Joseph and Nicholson spent two years together on Miami’s defensive staff as Nicholson was hired by Miami in 2023.

Joseph was a linebacker at USF from 2006-10, where he recorded 124 tackles, three sacks, one interception and seven pass breakups.

In another Athlon Sports article, an anonymous SEC coach said, “One of the most underrated coaching staffs in the entire country. If they can flip the QB and rework the offensive line and win another 10 games, Eli [Drinkwitz] should be on everyone’s short list."

Mizzou will debut its revamped coaching staff on Thursday, Aug. 28, when the Tigers host Central Arkansas in their 2025 season opener at Faurot Field.

With continuity on defense, fresh coaching additions, and high expectations entering the season, Missouri is positioned to build on last year’s success — and all eyes will be on how the Tigers’ revamped staff delivers when the season kicks off under the lights at Faurot Field.