Brock Olivo’s journey with the Missouri Tigers has come full circle. Once a standout running back who left a mark on the program from 1994 to 1997, Olivo is now back at Mizzou—not as a player, but as a special teams assistant coach, continuing to contribute in a powerful new way.
After being inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame last week for his achievements as a player, Olivo’s story is more than just about his past—it’s about how he’s using that experience to shape the future of the program.
Hall of Fame Honors and Humble Reflections
Olivo’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a reflection of the impact he made during his four-year career as a running back. But for him, the recognition isn’t just about stats or accolades—it’s about the journey and the bond with Missouri football.
“My playing days are long gone,” Olivo shared. “All I want now is for our current players to have the same type of experience I had here at Missouri.”
That mindset shows a coach who leads from a place of love for the game and deep respect for the program. Olivo doesn’t just coach football—he builds connections, shares life lessons, and carries the same passion he once had as a player into every practice and meeting.
A Coaching Career Built on Legacy
Olivo’s path into coaching didn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, it was in his blood. His father was a high school football coach at Marquette High School in Clarkson Valley, Missouri, spending over 30 years in the profession. Watching his dad work with young athletes planted the coaching seed in Olivo early.
“Coaching was definitely in the cards for me,” he said. “The satisfaction my dad got watching his players grow—that stuck with me.”
That early inspiration led Olivo around the world—from coaching in Italy, to time in the NFL, and now back at the college level with Mizzou. Along the way, he’s built an impressive resume, blending international and American football experiences to become a well-rounded mentor.
Working Under Eli Drinkwitz: A Period of Growth
Since joining the staff under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, Olivo feels like he’s stepped into one of the most intense and rewarding phases of his coaching career. He’s thriving in an environment where growth is a daily requirement.
“Drink is incredible—not only at X’s and O’s but also in staff management,” Olivo said. “He challenges us daily, and I’ve grown more at Mizzou in the last few seasons than I have in my entire coaching career.”
That kind of professional development has given Olivo a fresh perspective. He sees how the Missouri football program is being rebuilt from the inside out—with the right mix of talent, leadership, and support.
A Full-Circle Moment at Mizzou
Returning to Columbia, Missouri, in a coaching role is a powerful and emotional experience for Olivo. For someone who gave his all as a player, coming back as a coach feels like a meaningful investment returned.
“It’s really good, because you feel like you invested and got a good ROI (return on investment),” he said. “I walked alongside really good coaches during my playing days, and now I get to be that for someone else.”
Now, Olivo is using his experience, both as a player and as a coach, to guide the next generation of Tigers—mentoring them on and off the field, and helping them write their own stories within the Mizzou legacy.
Brock Olivo’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From being a fan-favorite running back to a respected coach shaping young athletes, his journey has truly come full circle.
His Hall of Fame induction is a well-earned celebration of the past, but it’s also a reminder of the impact he’s continuing to make at Missouri. For Olivo, it’s not about reliving the glory days—it’s about making sure others get to create their own.
