MSU signs new head football coach

Missouri State University hired Dave Steckel as it new head football coach.

Concluding a nationwide search that began Nov. 23, Steckel’s five-year agreement includes a base salary of $270,000, according to a news release. Upon formal approval by the MSU Board of Governors Jan. 21, Steckel would succeed Terry Allen, whose contract wasn’t renewed after posting a 37-64 record in his nine seasons with the Springfield team.

Currently associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the University of Missouri, Steckel has spent the last 14 seasons with the Tigers.

"His reputation within the industry is impeccable, and he has a proven track record of success," MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats said in the release. "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."

The 57-year-old joined Gary Pinkel’s MU coaching staff in 2001 after five seasons as a defensive line and linebackers coach at Rutgers University.

At MU, Steckel was among five finalists and the only defensive coach for the 2014 Frank Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. He’s helped to produce 15 all-conference linebackers, including several who went on to the NFL, according to the release.

MU currently ranks 23rd in the nation in total defense and 26th in scoring defense.[[In-content Ad]]