Arkansas announces a raise for DC Barry Odom, contract details for new assistants
By Keith Farner
Published:
After a strong performance in his first season at Arkansas, defensive coordinator Barry Odom drew significant interest for similar positions at LSU and Texas.
Following that interest, Odom reportedly received a raise and contract extension to stay with the Razorbacks through the 2023 season. His new contract is worth $1.75 million per year, according to Matt Jones of Whole Hog Sports. Odom previously was under contract through the 2022 season at an annual salary of $1.3 million. He received a $100,000 raise last year after Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman said Odom had turned down interest from an unspecified SEC program.
The new compensation is the highest ever for an Arkansas assistant coach, as Odom surpassed the $1.5 million the Razorbacks paid former defensive coordinator John Chavis in 2019.
Arkansas also finalized contracts for new assistant coaches Jermial Ashley (defensive line), Cody Kennedy (tight ends) and Michael Scherer (linebackers).
Ashley and and Kennedy will be paid $300,000 per year, while Kennedy is on a two-year contract and Ashley’s agreement is for one year. Scherer, who was an analyst for the Razorbacks last season, is set to make $175,000 annually on a one-year agreement.
Arkansas’ 10 full-time assistant coaches are set to make a program-record $5.375 million in 2021 — a 2.9 percent increase over their initial total pay last season.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
