UNLV expected to hire Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom as head coach

According to Matt Zenitz of On3, the UNLV Rebels are expected to hire Barry Odom as the program’s next head coach. Currently the defensive coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Odom spent three seasons in Fayetteville under Sam Pittman.

Odom was last a head coach for the Missouri Tigers, originally hired before the 2016 season and made it through 2019. Much of his coaching career has been spent in that part of the country and heading out West should present a new challenge for Odom.

UNLV is expected to hire Arkansas DC Barry Odom as its head coach, sources tell @on3sportshttps://t.co/kEdgXtnT2Y pic.twitter.com/dKh40gJi6A

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 6, 2022

In three seasons with Arkansas, Odom has been a vital member of the Razorbacks’ turnaround alongside Pittman. Impressive players have gone through the system and will make their way to the NFL, mainly the likes of Bumper Pool, Drew Sanders, and even Jalen Catalon.

Arkansas was one of the top pass-rushing teams in the country this season and led the SEC in sacks with 39. Many teams could not handle the pressure Odom and the Razorbacks sent their way on a consistent basis.

Barry Odom head coaching record

Odom has only been a head coach once prior to accepting the UNLV job. He took over his alma mater Missouri but was never able to fully impress. His overall record came out to be 25-25, with just two winning seasons taking place in Columbia.

Against SEC opponents, Odom faced a record of 13-19. And of course, the only thing that may matter more than winning in the SEC is recruiting. Missouri finished in the bottom three of the conference in three cycles Odom was able to complete with the Tigers

UNLV will be hoping for better results on the head coaching front with Odom. More results and player development as displayed during his time with Arkansas are why Odom will be heading to Las Vegas and hoping to compete in the Mountain West.