A bombshell hit Mizzou fans by way of Orlando, Florida on Tuesday morning.
Less than three days after Scott Frost left UCF to take over as the head coach at Nebraska, the Knights named Mizzou offensive coordinator Josh Heupel as his successor.
"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to represent UCF," Heupel said in a statement released by UCF. "What makes this opportunity so unique is the vision of the leadership from President John Hitt, Provost Dale Whitaker and Director of Athletics Danny White. Their vision for this becoming one of the premier programs in the country makes this an exciting opportunity. That vision, the amazing campus, along with the recruiting base not only allows you to have immediate success but sustained success. I'm very excited to get a staff together and get to work with our wonderful student-athletes."
Heupel has been the offensive coordinator at Missouri for two years. In 2015, the Tigers finished 125th in the nation in total offense. This season, the Tigers were 7th.
Heupel had been the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma and Utah State before joining Barry Odom's staff two years ago. He revitalized the Tigers with a spread attack led by quarterback Drew Lock, who led the nation and set school and SEC records with 43 touchdown passes this season.
Heupel's departure leaves Missouri with two major questions:
1. Who will be the next offensive coordinator?
2. How will this impact Lock's decision whether or not to enter the NFL Draft?
Missouri will almost certainly go with an interim offensive coordinator leading up to the Texas Bowl on December 27th. Wide receivers coach Andy Hill and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee would be the most logical candidates. Beyond that, what Odom will do is unknown at this point in time.
As for Lock, he has submitted his name to get feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Committee. Sources have indicated to PowerMizzou.com that feedback could come very soon. The Committee will give an answer of first round, second round or stay in school.
Lock's name has started to gain some steam of late in draft circles.
For the past few weeks, most sources have told PowerMizzou.com that Lock is leaning strongly toward returning for his senior season at Missouri. That could change based on the draft recommendation as well as the departure of the offensive coordinator. If Lock returns, he will be playing for his third offensive coordinator in four years at Missouri.
PowerMizzou.com will continue to follow this story and will update the situation as information becomes available.
