Barry Odom pens thank you message to Arkansas fans

Barry Odom is moving back to the big chair. The former Missouri head coach was named the next head coach at UNLV this week after three years as the Arkansas defensive coordinator, and he had a message for Razorbacks fans after the announcement.

Odom took over as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator in 2020 after four years as the head coach at Mizzou, where he totaled a 25-25 overall record and a 13-19 mark in SEC play at his alma mater. Now, he’s returning to the head coaching ranks at UNLV, and thanked Arkansas fans for the support over his three years on Sam Pittman’s staff.

“It has been such an honor to be the Defensive Coordinator at The University of Arkansas and live in this community for the past 3 years,” Odom wrote. “My family and I are overwhelmed with gratitude… thank you! I am so thankful for my players, Coach Sam Pittman, and Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be On The Hill. I also want to thank all the wonderful fans and support of the Razorbacks — you guys are the best. Continued Success… WPS!!”

UNLV officially announces Barry Odom as next head coach

Barry Odom is officially the head coach of the UNLV Rebels. The school announced the move on Tuesday evening after On3’s Matt Zenitz was first to report. He will be leaving his defensive coordinator post with the Arkansas Razorbacks to once again take over a program.

“My family and I would like to thank President Whitfield, Athletics Director Erick Harper, and the administrative team for the opportunity to be the head football coach of the UNLV Rebels,” Odom said in a statement. “I’m honored and excited to begin developing a relationship with our student-athletes and provide them a great foundation for success in every area of their lives.

“I believe in the vision and plan that President Whitfield and Mr. Harper have for the UNLV Athletics Department. That alignment piece is critical and together we will achieve great success. This city is founded on opportunity and we look forward to this opportunity to lead this program and engage with this amazing community and Rebels everywhere.”

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman made Odom one of his first hires when taking over in 2020. Having a former SEC head coach as a defensive coordinator paid dividends in a big way for the Razorbacks. Odom was able to produce a list of NFL talent while helping turn Arkansas around in quick fashion.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.