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SMQ: Are alma maters really the best destinations for head coaches?

By Zach Bigalke

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Barry Odom and the Missouri Tigers

  • YEARS AT MISSOURI AS PLAYER: 1996-1999
  • YEARS AT MISSOURI AS COACH: 2016-present

Barry Odom took over at Missouri in 2016 after Gary Pinkel stepped down for health reasons. The former Tigers linebacker played at the school from 1996 to 1999, and was part of teams that finished in the Top 25 in 1997 and 1998. After leaving school, he spent several years as a high school coach before returning to his alma mater and working his way up the ranks.

Since taking over for Pinkel, things have been far from rosy for Odom despite his status as an alumnus. The seat heated up almost immediately under the new coach, as Missouri went 4-8 in Odom’s first year at the helm. A year after Pinkel had failed to get the Tigers to a bowl game, Odom provided a disappointing follow-up campaign.

In 2017, things trended slightly upward. Missouri opened the year 1-5, raising questions about Odom’s viability as a leader. But with a five-game winning streak, the Tigers are now bowl-eligible and the seat has cooled a bit under Odom.

Still, his ascension from defensive coordinator to head coach was not fully supported by the fan base in Columbia. There are still plenty of questions about whether Odom is the long-term solution at his alma mater. He is a case study in the pitfalls that can lie in wait even for those taking over a program they obviously care about and support.

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