Barry Odom, Pinkel speak about Mizzou defensive coordinator hire
By Drew Laing
Published:
Missouri officially announced the hiring of Barry Odom as defensive coordinator on Tuesday morning as he will replace Dave Steckel, who will become the head coach at Missouri State.
Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel is very familiar with Odom. In addition to playing for Missouri as a linebacker from 1996-99 and was on Pinkel’s staff for nine years from 2003-11 in a variety of roles, including director of recruiting.
Gabe DeArmond of PowerMizzou.com was the first to report the hire.
The 14-year Missouri head coach is ecstatic about bringing Odom back onto the staff.
“We’re really excited to have Barry and his family back at Mizzou,” Pinkel said in a statement. “He’s done an outstanding job at Memphis these past three years. He’s coached with us before, and it’s great to see someone professionally advance himself and go do such a great job elsewhere. I know he was sought after by several other power five schools recently, so we feel very fortunate to have him with us.”
Odom had been the Memphis defensive coordinator since 2012 and the Tigers’ defense saw great improvement under Odom’s leadership. In 2014, the Tigers led the AAC in scoring defense (17.1 ppg) and were third in total defense and rush defense.
The former Missouri standout linebacker said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to his alma mater.
“It goes without saying how excited I am to have this opportunity. I have such a deep respect for the success that Coach Pinkel and his staff have had since I’ve been away,” Odom said. “Transitioning to a new conference is very challenge and all they’ve done is get better at everything.”
“I’m excited to do my part to continue to add to that, and our family is excited to be part of it again,” Odom added.
Odom will take over defensive coordinator duties following Missouri’s Citrus Bowl matchup against Minnesota on Jan. 1. Steckel will coach the Tigers through the bowl game.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
