Purdue Zeroes In on UNLV’s Barry Odom as Next Head Coach
In a move that could shake up the college football coaching carousel, UNLV head coach Barry Odom has reportedly emerged as the top candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Purdue. According to sources confirmed by ESPN on Sunday, Odom has already interviewed with Purdue officials, and a deal is expected to come together soon.
It’s no surprise that Odom has caught the attention of Purdue. In just two seasons at UNLV, he has compiled an impressive 19-8 record and led the Rebels to back-to-back Mountain West championship games. His success in Las Vegas, combined with his previous experience as the head coach at Missouri, has made him one of the most sought-after names in this year’s coaching cycle.
Why Purdue Wants Barry Odom
Purdue’s interest in Odom is clear. The Boilermakers are coming off a rough two-year stretch under Ryan Walters, who was fired after posting a 5-19 record, including an 11-game losing streak to close out the season. The program is in desperate need of a turnaround, and Odom’s track record suggests he could be the man for the job.
Odom’s ability to win on the road has been particularly impressive this season. The Rebels notched key victories over Houston and Kansas early in the year, solidifying his reputation as a coach who can deliver results in tough environments. Even after the unexpected departure of quarterback Matthew Sluka following UNLV’s 3-0 start, Odom kept the team on track and continued to find success.
A Defensive Mindset
One of Odom’s biggest strengths is his defensive background. A former star linebacker at Missouri, he has built his coaching career on the defensive side of the ball. Before taking the head coaching job at UNLV, Odom served as the defensive coordinator at Memphis, Missouri, and Arkansas. His ability to develop strong defensive units could be exactly what Purdue needs to compete in the Big Ten.
What’s Next?
According to sources, Purdue officials have already traveled to Las Vegas to meet with Odom, signaling that the school is serious about bringing him on board. While no official announcement has been made, all signs point to a deal being finalized in the near future. Yahoo Sports was the first to report that Odom had become Purdue’s primary target.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Odom has gone 19-8 in two seasons at UNLV, leading the Rebels to consecutive Mountain West championship games.
- He previously served as the head coach at Missouri and has a strong defensive coaching background.
- Purdue is looking to replace Ryan Walters, who was fired after a 5-19 record over two seasons.
- Odom’s road wins over Houston and Kansas this season helped solidify his status as a top coaching candidate.
As the coaching carousel continues to spin, all eyes are on Purdue and Barry Odom. If the deal goes through, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the Boilermakers—and a major loss for UNLV. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
