Photo: Tony Rotundo

One of the most successful coaches in college wrestling is calling it a career.

Missouri head coach Brian Smith announced Wednesday that the 2026-27 season will be his last, his 29th leading the Tigers. Athletic director Laird Veatch has named associate head coach Kendric Maple as Smith's successor, taking over after this season.

Mizzou will hold a press conference with Veatch, Smith and Maple on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. CT.

Smith's full statement:

"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. 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. Thank you for believing in Tiger Style and for being part of this incredible journey. Now let's go do something special at the NCAA Championship in St. Louis."

Nearly Three Decades of Tiger Style

Missouri hired Smith on May 5, 1998, and he turned the program into a perennial contender for conference and national titles. His 351 dual wins in 28 seasons account for more than half of the program's 681 all-time wins, and he holds a career record of 354-130-3 (.730).

His work has been recognized nationally, too. Smith won the 2007 Dan Gable Coach of the Year award and the 2017 NWCA Coach of the Year honor, along with three Big 12 Coach of the Year awards and five MAC Coach of the Year honors.

Olympians and World Champions

Smith's impact reaches well beyond the college season. Mizzou wrestlers have made 20 World Championship appearances across age groups during his tenure.

"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. 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." Laird Veatch, Mizzou Director of Athletics

Kendric Maple Takes Over in 2027-28

Maple is in his eighth season at Missouri and his fifth as associate head coach. He joined the staff in 2019 and has helped coach seven wrestlers to 17 All-America honors, plus O'Toole's two NCAA titles. He also helped the Tigers finish fifth at the 2023 NCAA Championships, their best finish since 2017.

Maple was a three-time All-American at Oklahoma and won the 2013 NCAA title at 141 pounds, finishing his career 127-25. In freestyle, he won the 2018 World Cup and U.S. Open titles in 2017 and 2022. Before Mizzou, he coached at Nebraska, Purdue and Oklahoma.

"Coach Smith has meant so much to me, this program and the University of Missouri. His impact goes far beyond wins and championships, building a culture, a family and a standard that has shaped generations of young men. I'm incredibly grateful for his mentorship, friendship and trust. I'm humbled and honored to lead this program in the future, and I look forward to building on the foundation he has established, pursuing championships and developing young men who make Mizzou proud. But right now, our focus remains on making this season a special one for Coach Smith and our team."

One Last Run

Smith's final season ends at the 2027 NCAA Championships in St. Louis, a fitting place for a Missouri legend to finish his career.