Old National Presents: The 3-2-1—What will Odom’s staff look like?

Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s The 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.

Three things learned

1 – Barry Odom busy assembling staff

We should begin to learn the names of this first collection of assistants. Seven members–a combination of coaches and off-field personnel–of his UNLV crew are expected in West Lafayette.

It is believed four assistants from Odom’s UNLV staff are coming. IDC/LB coach Mike Scherer, special teams coach James Shibest, RB coach Cornell Ford. Who else?

Off-field personnel? No doubt, director of player personnel Brad Odom–the older brother of Barry–is coming. Who else?

One assistant not coming: OC Brennan Marion and his “Go-Go” offense.

A few Purdue assistants could be retained. Feel pretty certain Lamar Conard will be back–likely as running backs coach. And Jason Simmons and Justin Sinz both appear to be in line to be back in West Lafayette. But, if they are back, what will be their roles? Simmons was an offensive analyst who worked with wideouts, while Sinz also was an offensive analyst and de facto tight ends coach.

2 – Portal stampede

With the program in coaching transition, over 20 Boilermakers are in the portal. And a key one is gone for good: Dillon Thieneman, who announced on Saturday he is taking Oregon’s bag-o-loot. A shock? Not really if rumblings of a mega payout are true.

Thieneman is one of three big-time Purdue players who jumped in the portal. DE Will Heldt and TE Max Klare are the others. And they are still looking around. Could they return to West Lafayette? It is thought each is open to the idea. But, like Thieneman, they may receive offers they can’t refuse … and that Purdue can’t/won’t match.

The inflow of players from the portal is expected to commence once UNLV plays Cal in the LA Bowl on Wednesday. How many Rebels may be transferring? Maybe between 10-15.

3 – Purdue 2025 QB signee Sawyer Anderson not be coming to West Lafayette

The three-star signal-caller from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex made the proclamation on social media on Sunday: “Due to the recent coaching changes at Purdue my recruitment is now open.”

Anderson was one of six 2025 recruits to sign with Purdue on Dec. 4. He had been committed since August 2023.

Purdue’s 2025 class has one other QB: Garyt Odom, Odom’s son who flipped from UNLV last week.

The other five Purdue signees on Dec. 4 anticipate being part of Odom’s squad. One is expected to enroll in January: DE Landon Brooks.

Stay tuned.

MORE: Barry Odom’s full contract | 2025 Purdue schedule |

Two questions

1 – Who will be offensive coordinator?

It is the most anticipated Odom addition. And what will the scheme be? There is thought the new play-caller will have a background coaching tight ends. Heard there is “excitement” about the OC. Info has been difficult to obtain on this.

“Offensively speaking, we have to have the ability to run the ball,” said Odom at his press conference last week. “That is certainly going to open up the vertical passing game. More now in college sports and football, when you can get the ball in space with great play-makers down the field, intermediate routes, with a great quarterback, that’s going to turn into explosive plays, which will create touchdowns.”

2 – How many 2025 UNLV signees will flip?

UNLV 2025 signees are flipping. So far, Purdue has seen five of the Rebels’ 2025 signees join its ranks: S Antonio “Juju” Parker, S Vi’Naz Cobb, TE Jon Grimmett, LB Parker Meese and QB Garyt Odom.

According to On3, Parker is the highest rated of the group followed by Grimmett, Odom, Cobb and Alnutt.

Will anymore 2025 UNLV signees flip to Purdue? Perhaps.

One bold statement: Lamar Conard will be on staff

It looks like the Purdue alum will find a spot on Odom’s staff coaching running backs. And that is a good thing.

Conard’s return would seem to guarantee RB Devin Mockobee will be back for his final season, as he is fond of Conard and respects his knowledge.

Now, who will be the No. 1 quarterback? That’s a question for another day.