Barry Odom Leads UNLV Football to Championship Game

Barry Odom, head coach of UNLV football, is celebrating a remarkable turnaround as his team prepares for the Mountain West Championship Game after a 38-14 victory over Nevada. This win marks a significant milestone for Odom, who was fired from Missouri five years ago on the same date, reflecting on his journey from that low point to potential College Football Playoff contention. Under Odom's leadership, UNLV has achieved back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time in history and has secured ten wins, a feat not accomplished in 40 years. The team boasts several conference awards, including linebacker Jackson Woodard as the top defensive player. Odom's base salary of $1.75 million may attract interest from Power Four schools, prompting discussions on how to retain him amidst growing success. Athletic director Erick Harper emphasizes the importance of community support to keep Odom at UNLV.