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30 Facts About Barry Odom

Vinny Hersey

Written by Vinny Hersey

Published: 13 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Sportsdata.usatoday.com

Who is Barry Odom? Barry Odom is a name that resonates deeply in the world of college football. Born on November 26, 1976, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Odom's journey from a high school linebacker to the head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his strategic mind and leadership, Odom has transformed teams and left a lasting impact wherever he has coached. From his early days at the University of Missouri to his recent success at UNLV, Odom's career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for football.

Key Takeaways:

  • Barry Odom's football journey began in Oklahoma, where he excelled in high school and earned a scholarship to the University of Missouri with his impressive speed.
  • After a successful playing career at Missouri, Odom transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he achieved significant success and earned various coaching accolades.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School
02College Football Career
03Transition to Coaching
04Missouri University Staff Roles
05Defensive Coordinator at Memphis
06Return to Missouri
07Head Coach at Missouri
08Post-Missouri Career
09Head Coach at UNLV
10Player and Team Achievements
11Salary and Contract
12Coaching Philosophy and Leadership
13Community Engagement and Awards
14Barry Odom's Impact on College Football

Early Life and High School

Barry Odom's journey in football began in Oklahoma, where his passion for the sport took root.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 26, 1976, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Barry Odom grew up in Maysville, Oklahoma, where he developed a love for football early on.

  2. High School Football Career: Odom played as a linebacker and running back at Maysville Junior-Senior High School. He transferred to Ada High School for his senior year, helping the team win two consecutive state titles.

  3. Scholarship to Missouri: His impressive speed, particularly a 10.6-second 100-meter dash, earned him a scholarship to the University of Missouri.

College Football Career

Odom's college years at Missouri laid the foundation for his future in coaching.

  1. Playing Career at Missouri: From 1996 to 1999, Odom played linebacker for the University of Missouri, becoming a four-year letterwinner.

Transition to Coaching

After his playing days, Odom quickly transitioned into coaching, starting at the high school level.

  1. Coaching Career Begins: Odom's first coaching role was as an assistant coach at Ada High School in Oklahoma.

  2. Rock Bridge High School: In 2001 and 2002, he served as the head coach at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri.

Missouri University Staff Roles

Odom's career at Missouri saw him take on various roles, each adding to his coaching repertoire.

  1. Administrative Graduate Assistant: In 2003, Odom began at Missouri as an administrative graduate assistant.

  2. Director of Football Recruiting: From 2004 to 2005, he served as the director of football recruiting.

  3. Director of Football Operations: In 2006, Odom took on the role of director of football operations.

  4. Assistant Athletic Director: From 2007 to 2008, he was the assistant athletic director.

  5. Safeties Coach: From 2009 to 2011, Odom served as the safeties coach at Missouri.

Defensive Coordinator at Memphis

Odom's move to Memphis marked a significant step in his coaching career.

  1. Defensive Coordinator at Memphis: In 2012, Odom became the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Memphis.

Return to Missouri

Odom's return to Missouri saw him take on a pivotal role in the team's defense.

  1. Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach: In 2015, Odom returned to Missouri as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

Head Coach at Missouri

Odom's promotion to head coach at Missouri marked a new chapter in his career.

  1. Head Coach at Missouri: In 2016, Odom was promoted to head coach at the University of Missouri.

  2. Coaching Record at Missouri: Under his leadership, the Missouri Tigers compiled a 25-25 record from 2016 to 2019.

Post-Missouri Career

After Missouri, Odom continued to build his coaching credentials at Arkansas.

  1. Associate Head Coach at Arkansas: From 2020 to 2022, Odom served as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and safeties coach at the University of Arkansas.

Head Coach at UNLV

Odom's move to UNLV marked a significant turnaround for the program.

  1. UNLV Head Coach: In 2023, Barry Odom became the head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

  2. Mountain West Coach of the Year: Following his first season, Odom was named the 2023 Mountain West Coach of the Year.

  3. Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Finalist: Odom earned distinction as the program’s first-ever Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award finalist.

  4. Guaranteed Rate Bowl Appearance: The 2023 season culminated in an appearance in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

  5. Mountain West Championship Appearance: UNLV advanced to the Mountain West Championship game for the first time in program history under Odom's leadership.

Player and Team Achievements

Odom's coaching has led to numerous individual and team accolades.

  1. All-America Recognition: Three Rebels earned All-America status during Odom’s tenure.

  2. First Team Academic All-American: The program christened its first-ever First Team Academic All-American in 2023.

  3. First Team All-MWC Honorees: Back-to-back seasons of six First Team All-MWC honorees occurred under Odom’s leadership.

  4. Top Recruiting Class: Odom’s 2025 signees ranked as the top class in the Mountain West.

Salary and Contract

Odom's contract reflects his value to the UNLV program.

  1. Salary and Contract: Barry Odom signed a five-year deal with UNLV, with a base salary of $400,000 per year and total compensation of at least $1.75 million in 2024.

Coaching Philosophy and Leadership

Odom's approach to coaching emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement.

  1. Coaching Philosophy: Odom focuses on developing players both on and off the field.

  2. Leadership Style: Known for his strong leadership, Odom fosters a positive team environment.

Community Engagement and Awards

Odom's impact extends beyond the football field.

  1. Community Engagement: Odom participates in various charitable events and initiatives.

  2. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Odom has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Mountain West Coach of the Year award.

Barry Odom's Impact on College Football

Barry Odom's journey from a high school football player to a respected head coach at UNLV showcases his dedication and passion for the sport. His leadership at Missouri and UNLV has led to significant achievements, including postseason appearances and individual player recognitions. Odom's coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and player development, which has transformed the programs he’s been part of. His first season at UNLV brought the Rebels their best record in over 40 years, earning him the 2023 Mountain West Coach of the Year award. Odom’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the field, impacting the community and fostering academic success among his players. As he continues to lead UNLV, Odom aims to elevate the program’s national profile and create a lasting legacy in college football. His story is one of transformation, excellence, and unwavering dedication to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Barry Odom known for?
Barry Odom has made a name for himself in college football, primarily as a coach with a knack for turning around teams and developing top-notch defenses. His journey through various coaching roles has earned him respect in the sports community.
How did Odom start his coaching career?
His coaching journey kicked off at his alma mater, the University of Missouri, where he began as an administrative graduate assistant. From there, Odom climbed the ranks, taking on various coaching responsibilities and proving his mettle at every step.
Has Odom worked with any notable teams?
Absolutely! Besides his significant tenure at Missouri, both as a player and coach, Odom has also contributed his expertise to the University of Memphis. His roles have varied, but his impact on team performance and player development has always been evident.
What's one of Odom's biggest achievements?
One of his standout achievements was during his time at Missouri, where he led the team as head coach. Under his guidance, the team saw remarkable improvements, making notable appearances in bowl games and achieving winning seasons, which hadn't been the case before his leadership.
Is Odom still coaching?
Yes, Odom continues to be a vital part of college football, applying his vast experience and strategic mind to develop players and teams. His career is marked by resilience and adaptability, making him a sought-after coach in the sport.
What makes Odom's coaching style unique?
His approach is deeply rooted in building strong defenses and fostering a team culture that emphasizes resilience, hard work, and unity. Odom's ability to connect with his players and inspire them to perform at their best sets him apart in the coaching world.
Can you tell me about Odom's early life?
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Odom's passion for football was evident from a young age. Playing as a linebacker in college, he not only showcased his skills on the field but also developed a deep understanding of the game, which later became the foundation of his coaching career.

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