MU offensive coordinator stays put

Dave Christensen is staying at Missouri, for now.

The Tigers’ offensive coordinator withdrew his name from contention for the Central Michigan head football coach position on Wednesday.

“I am grateful to Central Michigan for the consideration they have given me, but I am committed to the University of Missouri and our kids,” Christensen said in a release.

Christensen mentioned an “exciting future” for the football team and his family enjoying Columbia as reasons he decided to withdraw his name.

Christensen interviewed with Dave Heeke, Central Michigan’s athletic director, and another school representative on Dec. 17 in Kansas City. He said a day after the interview that he had a good visit, but he wasn’t told how he did or who the other candidates were.

“I wish Central Michigan nothing but the best, but the search process was taking long enough to where I feel it is now time to move forward,” Christensen said.

Christensen is in his sixth year as offensive coordinator at Missouri. Though the Tigers lost to Oregon State 39-38 in the Sun Bowl on Friday, Christensen had one of his better games as the team’s play caller. The Tigers set a Sun Bowl record with 561 yards of total offense and the team used multiple trick plays including tight end Chase Coffman’s touchdown-pass to wide receiver Tommy Saunders and directly snapping the ball to receiver Jared Perry and tight end Martin Rucker.

Missouri returns eight starters on offense next season including Chase Daniel, Tony Temple, Will Franklin and Coffman. The only starters the Tigers lose are receiver Brad Ekwerekwu and offensive lineman Mike Cook and Joel Clinger.

Brian Kelly, Central Michigan’s coach during the regular season, became Cincinnati’s head coach on Dec. 4. The Chippewas beat Middle Tennessee State 31-14 in the Motor City Bowl on Dec. 26. Jeff Quinn, Kelly’s associate head coach, was the interim coach for the bowl game.