Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz is known for speaking his mind.

He trolled former Florida coach Dan Mullen after the Tigers’ overtime win against the Gators in 2021. He quipped one-liners about Ohio State’s roster and the new college football playoff system before Mizzou played in the Cotton Bowl last year. And in a sincere attempt to vouch for the character of Mizzou’s quarterback, he said he would like to see Brady Cook date his daughters — once they turn 18.

Now, Drinkwitz has waded into the Columbia mayoral election, appearing to back businessman Blair Murphy. As Drinkwitz wrapped up his appearance on Mizzou Athletics “Tiger Talk” radio program last Tuesday, the coach gave Murphy a shoutout. 

“I just appreciate everybody being here tonight, it’s always great to see such a tremendous amount of fans here,” Drinkwitz said of the crowd at Bud’s Classic BBQ in downtown Columbia, where the show is recorded and broadcast live.

“But I really want to point out one I’m really glad to see, and that’s Blair Murphy,” Drinkwitz said, according to a recording of the program. “You know Blair has announced his candidacy for mayor of the city of Columbia, and I cannot wait for him to be able to continue to press upon this city of what he wants do as a mayor candidate. And so I appreciate your support here Murph’, and look forward to seeing what you bring to this city.”

Kelly and members of the crowd started to clap as Drinkwitz talked about Murphy. The coach then referenced Missouri’s matchup with South Carolina, where both teams compete for a trophy called the “Mayor’s Cup.”

“It’ll be a little extra special if Murph’ can get over the hump there,” Drinkwitz said.

“Well we wish him the best and thank him so much for taking on the challenge, Blair Murphy buddy, it’s great to see you,” Kelly chimed in. 

Murphy declared his candidacy for mayor in an Oct. 17 news release. Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Tanya Heath, a former University of Missouri School of Journalism adjunct professor, are also running for mayor. Tuesday is the first day people can file to run in the April 2025 municipal elections.

Murphy and his wife Melissa are co-owners of Johnston Paint and Decorating. He also served as a CrimeStoppers board member and volunteered with groups, including the Daniel Boone Little League. Murphy said he will prioritize crime prevention, public safety and infrastructure.

It’s unusual for any member of the athletics department, let alone the head football coach, to speak vocally in favor of any political candidate, said Peverill Squire, an MU political science professor.

“In a high-profile position with the university, you probably don’t want to be in a situation where you could be seen as dividing the community rather than unifying it,” Squire said. “So it’s a bit of a risk.”

Right now, voters are paying more attention to the November general election, Squire said. With the municipal election six months away, it’s possible Drinkwitz’s comments will go unnoticed by voters. But it can be beneficial for candidates to have a high-profile figure backing them, Squire said, especially in local races that may not get much attention.

MU policy allows university employees to engage in political activity on behalf of political candidates and issues, including donating money. But, “such activity, like any other personal, non-official undertaking, must be done on the individual’s own time and should not interfere with University duties,” according to the policy. 

“Tiger Talk” is produced by Learfield Communications, said Dave Matter, associate athletics director. MU Athletics described the show as “the weekly radio show from the University of Missouri Department of Athletics,” according to an August news release. 

On Tuesday, Murphy told KOMU 8 he is friends with Drinkwitz, but had no idea the coach would talk about his candidacy on the show. Murphy praised Drinkwitz and called him an “amazing man,” calling the coach’s comments an endorsement.

“One thousand percent, I had no idea that was coming that night,” Murphy said. “That was one of the coolest things so far. But endorsements are huge in this community, from the police to the firefighters, there’s many good ones to have.”

KOMU 8 sent a detailed list of questions to the athletics department about Drinkwitz’s comments, including whether it’s a formal endorsement of Murphy. 

“Coach Drinkwitz mentioned at the end of his Oct. 22 appearance of ‘Tiger Talk’ that Columbia’s Blair Murphy had recently announced his candidacy for mayor,” Matter said in an emailed statement. “Mr. Murphy was in the audience at Bud’s Classic BBQ during Coach Drinkwitz’s segment. Coach Drinkwitz and show host Mike Kelly acknowledged Mr. Murphy’s attendance at the radio show.”

In September, the Columbia Police Officers Association called on people to run against Buffaloe, claiming that crime is “skyrocketing” in Columbia. Violent crime actually dropped in Columbia and Boone County in 2023, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting.  

Nonetheless, a string of high-profile shootings and violent incidents have raised concerns about safety for many Columbia residents. That includes one man who died after being shot in the parking lot of the Conley Road Walmart in March.

Buffaloe told KOMU 8 on Tuesday that she did not expect Drinkwitz to weigh in on the race. But it’s possible people are shifting their attention to the municipal election, Buffaloe said, because they are tired of hearing about the November election. 

“At the end of the day, it’s the local elections that you will actually see change happen from,” Buffaloe said.

KOMU 8’s Beth Carlson contributed to this report.