WEST LAFAYETTE − Barry Odom made a questionable defensive coordinator hire that was immediately unpopular among the Purdue football fanbase.
This season showed why fans were apprehensive about Odom’s decision to bring back former defensive coordinator Kevin Kane in the role he served for the 2023 and ’24 seasons after then head coach Ryan Walters.
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Purdue is statistically the Big Ten’s worst defense, following a trend from Kane’s previous time as Boiler defensive coordinator, which led to Walters and most of the staff being let go after the 2024 season where Purdue went 1-11.
After nine games, the Boilermakers ended Kane’s second stint as the program’s defensive coordinator.
Kane will receive the remainder of his base salary for the duration of his contract that runs through December 2027. Kane’s 2026 salary is $850,000, paid in monthly installments, meaning he’d be owed roughly $141,666.67 plus the $1 million 2027 base salary.
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) is tackled by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Sidney Stewart (11) during the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Travis Terrell Jr. (20) celebrates a first down during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Travis Terrell Jr. (20) jumps over Maryland Terrapins linebacker Keyari James (35) during the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; A Purdue Boilermaker cheerleader stands on the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins cheerleaders smile when seeing the Boilermaker Special before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers dress up as sharks before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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When Kane was hired to succeed Mike Scherer in December 2025, it was met with criticism both Odom and then athletic director Mike Bobinski expected and discussed prior to making the move.
Purdue’s defense on Saturday in a 34-29 loss to a Maryland team that entered on a six-game losing streak saw touchdowns of 75, 87 and 44 yards among its banner day spoiling the Boilermaker Homecoming.
Asked after the Maryland loss if Odom would consider making staff changes or altering duties within the staff, Odom said, “I’ve never been one to comment a lot on that publicly.”
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The 32.1 points per game allowed this season ranks 17th in the Big Ten, ahead of only Rutgers by half a point. That includes a two-game stretch where Purdue allowed a combined 30 points in wins over Illinois and Minnesota and a season-opening win over FCS program Indiana State, which scored 19 on Purdue. Aside from those three games, Purdue’s other six opponents have all scored at least 31 points.
The Boilermakers have allowed 14 runs and 36 pass plays of at least 20 yards this season. Five of those were courtesy of Maryland on Saturday. Purdue also ranks last in the Big Ten in yards allowed.
That was enough for Odom to concede the mistake he made hiring Kane against the wishes of Purdue supporters.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
