Mizzou football defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has agreed to a contract extension through the 2027 season, solidifying his leadership of the Tigers' defense, Mizzou head coach Eliah Drinkwitz announced.

Batoon joined Mizzou in February 2024 and made an immediate impact on the program, transforming the Tigers into one of the nation's top defensive units in his first season. Under his guidance, Mizzou's defense vaulted into the top 20 nationally in multiple statistical categories and played a key role in the Tigers' 10-win campaign and Music City Bowl victory.

"We're building something special at Mizzou, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it," Batoon said. "This program is full of talented student-athletes and coaches who take pride in doing things the right way. I'm thankful to Coach Drinkwitz and the administration for their trust, and I look forward to continuing to elevate our standard of excellence on the defensive side of the ball."

In 2024, Batoon's defense ranked fifth nationally in third down conversion percentage defense — a dramatic improvement from 33rd and 47th the previous two seasons. The Tigers climbed from outside the top 30 to No. 17 nationally in total defense, No. 18 in passing yards allowed and No. 20 in scoring defense. 

"Corey Batoon's impact on our program and our 'Death Row Defense' in just one season has been tremendous," Drinkwitz said. "He's an incredible teacher and tactician and a relentless competitor. His leadership, preparation and ability to maximize our players' potential helped us significantly on the defensive side in 2024. We're proud to have him leading our defense as we continue to raise the bar and compete for championships at Mizzou."

Batoon's 2024 defense held seven opponents to 21 points or fewer and forced turnovers in 10 games. His unit tallied 10 games with five or more tackles for loss and four games with three or more sacks. Defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. earned Second Team All-SEC honors and finished the season with a seven-game sack streak — the longest in the country — en route to one of the best individual sack totals in school history.

A 30-plus-year coaching veteran, Batoon brings more than 15 years of defensive coordinator experience and a résumé that includes two conference titles (2003, 2017), a divisional championship (2019), four FCS playoff appearances and 12 bowl games. He has been a three-time nominee for the Broyles Award, presented annually to the nation's top assistant coach (2021, 2023, 2024).

Before coming to Mizzou, Batoon served as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at South Alabama (2021–23), helping lead the Jaguars to bowl appearances in each of his final two seasons. His coaching career includes successful stops at Ole Miss, Hawaii, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Arkansas State and Northern Arizona.

The Tigers begin the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28, when they host Central Arkansas in the "Kickoff in CoMo" season opener at Memorial Stadium.