Now that talk about offseason change has turned to anticipation for the fall, Missouri’s new era under Barry Odom will begin to take shape.

What will it look like?

For now, there’s anticipation in the mystery. The Tigers could beat expectations. Then again, they could live growing pains with a different leader. It’s fun to make predictions based on “ifs” and best guesses. But in the end, none of us truly knows.

Lessons will be gained in time. Odom named Josh Heupel as his offensive coordinator and DeMontie Cross as his defensive coordinator. All three men will be faces of a new beginning for the program after relative stability under former coach Gary Pinkel for so long.

Here’s a closer look at Missouri’s coordinators and how they might affect the future:

WHAT WILL BE NEW ON OFFENSE IN 2016?

How about everything? Heupel was hired to be coordinator after stops at Oklahoma and Utah State where he served as either a coordinator or a co-coordinator. He will be Missouri’s third offensive coordinator since 2011, following stints by David Yost and Josh Henson. Perhaps no other coach outside Odom will be tracked with as much interest this season to see what kind of impact he will make.

Expectations will be high. Heupel will earn $700,000 this season, making him the highest-paid Missouri assistant. That’s a $25,000 increase on what Henson made last year.

There’s plenty of room to improve. In 2015, Missouri was last in the SEC in total offense, passing offense, rushing offense and scoring offense. The Tigers had just five rushing touchdowns and 10 passing scores. Clearly, more will be expected from the group this season.

It remains to be seen what kind of personality the offense will take on. Heupel’s scheme in Columbia remains a mystery. But it’s fair to expect a faster pace, and the unit should benefit from a more experienced Drew Lock, who went through rough moments behind center as a true freshman last year. An improved Ish Witter and Alex Ross, a graduate transfer from Oklahoma, should bolster the backfield. (Ross could receive a close look as a kick returner as well.)

There are many unknowns. But there’s reason to believe Missouri’s offense will show more life.

WHAT WILL BE NEW ON DEFENSE IN 2016?

Cross will replace Odom as Missouri’s defensive coordinator after serving as TCU’s co-defensive coordinator last year. The move represents a return to familiar territory for Cross, who was a safety for the Tigers from 1994-1996. He will be Missouri’s third defensive coordinator since 2011, following stints by Dave Steckel and Odom.

Expect Missouri to rely heavily on its defense this season. The line, in particular, will be a strength with Charles Harris and Walter Brady as a potentially dynamic combination at end. Cornerback Aarion Penton and safety Anthony Sherrils return to provide veteran perspective in the secondary. Linebackers Michael Scherer and Donavin Newsom are back as well.

The Tigers would be happy with a similar defensive performance as the one produced last year. They ranked second in the SEC in total defense and scoring defense, plus third in pass defense and sixth in rush defense.

With more questions on offense, the defense must play to its potential to carry Missouri in what should be a transition year. The talent is there for Cross and Odom to guide a unit that should be among the SEC’s best again in a number of key categories. How players adapt to the new chapter will determine the Tigers’ direction.

BETTER/WORSE IN 2016

Heupel’s addition is the most intriguing of all. If he can give a needed jolt to Missouri’s offense, the Tigers should be in good shape for the future, assuming the defense remains a strength.

Since Odom was Missouri’s defensive coordinator last year, don’t anticipate wholesale strategic changes on that side of the ball. Cross’ task will be to maintain the program’s defensive momentum as much as establish his own presence. Expect the defense to lead the way as the offense tries to form an effective chemistry under Heupel.

We’ll only begin to learn what the Odom era means for Missouri this season. But there’s reason to have optimism that all the offseason changes will produce noticeable results in time.