Brian Smith, the head coach of the Mizzou wrestling program, announced Wednesday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. Smith, who is currently in his 29th season, leaves behind a tenure that began in 1998 and includes a career record of 354-130-3 at Missouri. Following his departure, associate head coach Kendric Maple has been appointed to take over the program beginning with the 2027-28 season.
A Legacy of Program Growth
Since his arrival, Smith has been responsible for more than half of the program’s 681 all-time dual victories. His time at the helm saw the team secure nine Mid-American Conference championships and three Big 12 titles, along with 12 consecutive conference team titles between 2012 and 2023. Under his guidance, the program produced 66 individual conference champions, 203 NCAA qualifiers, 72 All-Americans and 10 national champions. Smith’s individual accolades include being named the 2007 Dan Gable Coach of the Year and the 2017 National Wrestling Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He also earned three Big 12 Coach of the Year honors and five MAC Coach of the Year awards.
One final chapter. 💛🖤 Mizzou Wrestling legend Brian Smith announces retirement following the 2026-27 season, his 29th leading Tiger Style. 📰 https://t.co/pVGnaEtheE pic.twitter.com/RocKYPgPfi
Beyond collegiate success, Smith facilitated development on the international stage for wrestlers including Ben Askren, J’Den Cox, Rocky Elam and Aeoden Sinclair. Askren and Cox competed at the 2008 and 2016 Olympics, respectively, with Cox earning a bronze medal. Elam secured U20 World Gold in 2021, while Sinclair captured gold at this year’s U20 World Championships.
Very few coaches get the opportunity to leave on their own terms. I’m grateful that I can do that, and I’m grateful that I can leave this program in a position of strength,
Smith said in a news release. We have outstanding coaches, an incredible staff and a talented young team. I believe the future of Mizzou Wrestling is as bright as it’s ever been.
I am thankful to the University of Missouri, the people of Columbia and the state of Missouri for the incredible support they have shown our program over the years.
Transition to New Leadership
Mizzou athletic director Laird Veatch announced the appointment of Kendric Maple as the successor. Maple, who is in his eighth season with the Tigers, previously wrestled for Oklahoma from 2009-14, earning three-time All-American status and a 2013 NCAA championship at 141 pounds, before coaching at Oklahoma, Nebraska and Purdue.
University of Missouri Board of Curators vice chair Bob Blitz praised Smith’s influence, noting, His branded method of coaching also molded successful and productive lives for all his followers.
Reflecting on the transition, Maple expressed his appreciation for the foundation Smith established. His impact goes far beyond wins and championships, building a culture, a family and a standard that has shaped generations of young men,
Maple said. I’m humbled and honored to lead this program in the future, and I look forward to building on the foundation he has established.
Smith stated, But right now, our focus remains on making this season a special one for Coach Smith and our team.
He added regarding the NCAA Championship in St. Louis, Now let’s go do something special at the NCAA Championship in St. Louis.
More on Brian Smith
BREAKING: #Mizzou wrestling coach Brian Smith will retire at the end of this season, marking the end of an incredible career (spanning nearly three decades) in Columbia. Smith is the winningest head coach, across all sports, in Tiger history. The program says associate head coach…
Legendary #Mizzou wrestling coach Brian Smith announces his retirement following this seasonhttps://t.co/80mpHZPTsv
Our story on #Mizzou wrestling coach Brian Smith hanging it up after 29 seasons with the Tigershttps://t.co/g7FrytLqlN
Legendary Mizzou wrestling coach Brian Smith is retiring. https://t.co/ujsBAl8QmH
