UNLV expected to hire Arkansas DC Barry Odom as head coach

UNLV is expected to hire Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom as head coach, sources tell On3.

Odom has been the Razorbacks’ the last three seasons after a four-year run as the head coach at Missouri, where he posted a 25-25 overall record.

Aided by Odom and his defense, Arkansas has won 15 games the last two seasons, including a 9-4 finish last year, after winning four games or fewer each of the previous four seasons. The Razorbacks were ranked in the top 10 at different points each of the last two years.

At UNLV, Odom will be the replacement for Marcus Arroyo, who was fired November 28 after three seasons as the Rebels’ head coach. Arroyo was 7-23 in his three seasons at UNLV, including 5-7 this year.

Prior to landing the UNLV job, Odom had been a candidate for the Tulsa head coach opening.

Update (4:33 p.m. CT): UNLV has confirmed the hiring of Odom as its new head coach.

“Coach Odom knows what it takes to compete and win on college football’s biggest stages, and we’re thrilled that he’s bringing his incredible talent, work ethic, and commitment to success to UNLV,” UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield said. “We have high expectations for UNLV football, and Coach Odom is a proven leader who will help elevate our program to new levels of success. It’s a great pleasure to welcome the Odom family to our university and Las Vegas.”