Missouri linebackers Chuck Hicks and Corey Flagg are out of eligibility and Brayshawn Littlejohn transferred out of the program. Triston Newson can return to the Tigers if he desires, thanks to a new junior college eligibility ruling. But he has yet to publicly announce his next move.

Nicholson replaces D.J. Smith, Mizzou's former linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator, who departed in December to become the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State.