The worst kept secret during the past couple of days is a secret no longer.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the University of Missouri announced Helias head coach Phil Pitts has been hired to the football staff as a defensive analyst.
"We're excited to have Phil join our coaching staff," Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel said in a release. "Here's a guy who came through our program during our building phase, and he demonstrated great leadership in some difficult times and clearly had a passion for the game of football."
Pitts, a Helias graduate, played 40 games at defensive tackle for Pinkel from 2001-04 at Missouri. He finished his career with 36 tackles and returned an interception 49 yards for a touchdown in a home game against Arkansas State in 2004.
After graduation from Missouri, Pitts returned to Helias as an assistant coach for six years before serving as head coach the past four seasons.
Helias posted a record of 40-15 under Pitts, winning four district championships and finishing second in Class 4 in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
"He's done great things at a first-class program like Helias, and we are looking forward to Phil adding his skills to our team," Pinkel said.
As a defensive analyst, Pitts will focus on assisting new defensive coordinator Barry Odom with evaluation of Missouri's defense. That includes self-scouting, as well as other duties with the football program.
Pitts' scheduled last day at Helias is Friday.