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We'll have plenty of basketball analysis later in the day. For now...
Welcome back, Phil Pitts
With added money come added football positions. SEC teams are hiring lots more "analysts" now, and Mizzou has added to the payroll now-former Helias head coach (and Mizzou defensive tackle) Phil Pitts.
MUTIGERS.COM: Phil Pitts Joins Football Coaching Staff
Former University of Missouri defensive lineman Phil Pitts has joined the Mizzou Football staff as a defensive analyst, as announced today by Head Coach Gary Pinkel.
Pitts, who played in 40 games as a Tiger for Pinkel from 2001-04, comes on board after a stellar high school coaching career at Helias Catholic High School in his hometown of Jefferson City, Mo. Pitts has been head coach at Helias for the past four seasons, and compiled a 40-15 record while winning district championships each year and finishing as Missouri Class 4 state runner up in two of those years (2012 and 2013). Prior to that, Pitts was an assistant coach on the Helias staff for six seasons (2005-10).
"We're excited to have Phil join our coaching staff," said Pinkel. "Here's a guy who came through our program during our building phase, and he demonstrated great leadership in some difficult times, and clearly had a passion for the game of football. He's done great things at a first-class program like Helias, and we are looking forward to Phil adding his skills to our team," Pinkel said.
The Trib: Helias Coach Pitts stepping down to pursue college coaching opportunity
The Trib (Behind the Stripes): MU hires alum, former Helias Coach Phil Pitts as defensive analyst
The Trib: Pitts discusses leaving Helias, Hentges recruitment
Post-Dispatch: Former Tiger Phil Pitts joins Mizzou staff
PowerMizzou: Another New Analyst Hired by Mizzou Football
As a defensive tackle, Pitts wasn't blessed with an abundance of skill and athleticism, but one of his biggest strengths was that he knew his weaknesses. He recorded a pick six against Arkansas State in 2004 primarily because he knew he wasn't a very good pass rusher.
Trailing 14-0, ASU’s offense finally started to click when it strung together three straight first downs. But on a second-and-21, defensive tackle Phil Pitts put a stop to the drive when he sniffed out a screen pass at midfield and rambled 49 yards to give the Tigers a 21-0 lead.
Pinkel said the 6-foot-1, 285-pound senior from Jefferson City causes the offensive coaches fits in practice when it comes to completing screen passes.
"It’s just something I have a feel for," Pitts said. "I’m not the best pass rusher in the world, so when I feel somebody letting me go, I know something funny is up and I find the running back."
Helias, of course, is the current home of Mizzou target (and Alabama commit) Hale Hentges. Pitts has provided some quotes about Hentges' recruitment in the past, but ... that'll be a no-no now.
So ... I suppose Pitts is no longer allowed to talk about Hale Hentges.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) January 21, 2015
Meanwhile, a former Tiger walk-on appears to also have a new role on the staff...
According to his Twitter account (@CoachDMartinMIZ), looks like former MU LB Denzel Martin is now a recruiting grad assistant w/ the Tigers.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) January 21, 2015
Markus in Mobile
Markus Golden appears to be holding his own at Senior Bowl practices ... not that we would expect any different...
KC Star: Mizzou's Markus Golden hopes his competitiveness, effort stand out at Senior Bowl
Post-Dispatch: A Golden chance for former MU, Affton standout to impress the pros
Scout.com: DE Golden shining bright at Senior Bowl
SB Nation: Senior Bowl Day 2 practice report: Top players La'el Collins, Danny Shelton play as expected
Missouri’s Markus Golden had a nice series of back-to-back plays on Wednesday. On one play he beat Oklahoma right tackle to the edge and got what would have been a sack in a game. Golden showed his skill to get low and dip the corner. On the next play, he used an inside move to beat Alabama’s Austin Shepherd. That variety was nice to see.
Another big one for the grapplers...
MUTIGERS.COM: No. 3 Tigers Host No. 7 Oklahoma State Friday Night At Hearnes
ABC 17: Web Extra: Brian Smith, MU Wrestling prepare for No. 7 Oklahoma State
WHATNOT
Soccer
MUTIGERS.COM: Mizzou Soccer Adds Molly Schneider as Assistant Coach
The Missourian: Molly Schneider back as Missouri soccer assistant coach
Gymnastics
MUTIGERS.COM: Gymnastics Continues SEC Slate at No. 3 LSU on Friday
I found my next job
Eater: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Dunkin' Donuts Coffee
5) Being thorough is part of the job: The chief taste-testers must repeat the tasting process once the beans are stateside as a measure of quality control. [...]
8) Requirements for the job: One of the chief taste-testers has a degree in food microbiology and sensory evaluation. She also worked as a spirit taste-tester and worked in quality assurance at a ham factory.