Sam Pittman says Barry Odom turned down big payday to stay at Arkansas
Former Missouri head coach Barry Odom was called upon by Sam Pittman to serve as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator when the latter was hired in Fayetteville to replace Chad Morris. With one of the top defensive minds in college football on staff, the Razorbacks were 2nd in the SEC and top 15 nationally in interceptions while guiding Grant Morgan and Jalen Catalon to first- and second-team All-SEC honors, respectively.
There’s certainly reason to think that with even better success in 2021, Odom could get another shot at a head coaching position, but for now, he is happy where he is.
Odom could’ve been a coach somewhere else this year. But he says he couldn’t imagine working for anyone other than Sam Pittman and Hunter Yurachek. https://t.co/Zkbfmt7Ra6
— Tera Talmadge (@TeraTalmadge) August 19, 2021
In response to a quote tweet of Odom’s remarks from Razorbacks beat writer Tera Talmadge, an Arkansas fan expressed skepticism, suggesting that Odom would have left for the right opportunity.
I'm glad he's here, but it's coach speak. He could have imagined it if the right job or the right money came along or if we didn't ante up.
— Cody Honey (@cody_honey) August 19, 2021
That was met with a response from Pittman himself, stating that Odom “stayed for a lot less money”.
My man, he stayed for a lot less money. I probably know more about that than you do. Be happy he stayed. I sure am. I believe you will be too.
— Coach Sam Pittman (@CoachSamPittman) August 19, 2021
Pittman has quickly built a strong bond with his players, staff, and the Razorback community, and comments like the one above speak volumes about the kind of coach he is.