Takedown Report

Missouri’s Brian Smith Announces Retirement Following 2026-27 Season

COLUMBIA, Mo. — After nearly three decades leading Mizzou Wrestling, head coach Brian Smith announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final at the helm of the Tigers. Smith will retire following his 29th season leading the program, leaving behind a legacy that has helped establish Tiger Style as one of the nation’s premier collegiate wrestling programs.
With Smith’s retirement, Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch has appointed current associate head coach Kendric Maple to take over as the program’s head coach following the 2026-27 season.
Mizzou Athletics will host a press conference Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. CT inside the EquipmentShare Club 1926 in Memorial Stadium’s North End Zone, featuring Veatch, Smith and Maple.
“For almost 30 years at Mizzou, Brian Smith has established a championship program and an elite team culture that has shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated our entire wrestling program,” Veatch said. “We’re grateful for everything Brian has given this university — and we’re incredibly excited to support Kendric Maple as he builds on that foundation. Our focus right now is on the 2026-27 team and the opportunities ahead this season, and the best way to honor Coach Smith’s legacy is to keep competing and pursuing championships.”
“Very few coaches get the opportunity to leave on their own terms. I’m … more at … https://mutigers.com/news/2026/11/4/wrestlings-brian-smith-announces-retirement-following-2026-27-season?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email and …
https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article317932171.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

November 7, 2026 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment