What could Mizzou’s Sterk be looking for in a new coach? A look at potential factors
When Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk fired Barry Odom as coach, he sent a clear message: Sterk wants a winning football program.
The expectations are a perennial top-25 ranked team that reaches the postseason. While Odom amassed a 25-25 record and two bowl appearances — the most wins at Mizzou through four years since Warren Powers — it wasn’t enough in Sterk’s eyes.
That puts a lot of pressure on Sterk. Odom wasn’t Sterk’s hand-picked coach, hired by former Mizzou athletic director Mack Rhoades. It meant firing Odom wouldn’t necessarily affect Sterk’s own job security.
But whoever Sterk picks likely cements his legacy.
Sterk pointed out at his Saturday news conference he’ll likely use a small search committee. As promised, it’s been tight-lipped with few leaks about who Mizzou might hire. There have been coaching candidates to keep an eye on, but the rumors have been all over the place.
“I’m excited about the future,” Sterk said. “We have a great opportunity moving forward. We have a lot of good players in our program that we want to build upon and get the right person in here. A really good coach to come in and take over.”
Here are a number of potential deciding factors for Sterk as he searches for Odom’s replacement.
Quick hire
From the onset, Sterk has moved swiftly. Last Saturday, he expected Mizzou to have a new face to the football program within two weeks.
There are a number of reasons for that, but Sterk pointed primarily to recruiting. The early signing period runs from Dec. 18-20.
The timing is also tricky. Some coaches are still in season: potential candidates like Boise State’s Bryan Harsin and Central Michigan’s Jim McElwain are preparing for conference championship games Saturday.
When Sterk hired men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin, he did so in a matter of about 10 days. That time, he had a list of names ready once former coach Kim Anderson was let go. Sterk said he had some levels of preparedness to find Odom’s replacement, so there’s hope Mizzou can get it done briskly.
“We’re going to have a lot of interest, so we’ll have to gauge who’s truly interested,” Sterk said. “I don’t want to talk to someone who is just trying to leverage for a better contract. I want someone that wants to be here that can lead this program in the right way.”
Offense or defense?
While Sterk said he wouldn’t hire a coach based on their expertise of offense or defense, he added a small caveat: “Obviously, people get excited about scoring a lot of points.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean he leans either way. Sterk pointed out how at San Diego State, he promoted Rocky Long from defensive coordinator to head coach.
“You talk to Rocky Long and 17 points is a lot of points,” Sterk said.
Even if Sterk hires an offensive- or defensive-minded coach, it doesn’t mean immediate success on that side of the ball.
Look no further than Odom, a former defensive coordinator. It wasn’t until the 2019 season when Odom’s defense was considered a strength. On the other hand, the offense was a well-oiled machine, especially with future NFL quarterback Drew Lock under center.
There is some hope Sterk goes with a coach focused on offense. The Mizzou offense bogged down the second half of the 2019 season, leading to ugly, low-scoring games with little excitement.
“It depends on the type of person that you have and the experience that you have,” Sterk said, “but it is something that may play into it.”
Experience and stability
When Odom was promoted from defensive coordinator to Mizzou football coach, he did so with no previous head coaching experience. There were bumps in the transition from the Gary Pinkel regime as Odom picked up the pieces after a tough 2015 season.
So while Sterk said head coaching experience isn’t a must, it would be “helpful” — especially in the SEC.
“The SEC is not for the faint of heart,” Sterk said. “You have to know what you’re getting into. So I think experience in the SEC or competitiveness at a high level is important.”
While Sterk mulls over candidates, he said he will also consider player input. After telling the players of Odom’s firing, he planned to meet with a few players to gather their thoughts.
For the long-term health of the program, player buy-in will be crucial. Three Mizzou players already declared early for the NFL Draft — Jordan Elliott, Albert Okwuegbunam and Trystan Colon-Castillo — depleting the roster. Players can also put their names in the transfer portal, choosing to finish their careers elsewhere.
There’s also the recruiting front: Mizzou already has two decommitments from its Class of 2020 since news broke of Odom’s firing. That doesn’t include the recruits still committed but exploring other options.
The coach inherits NCAA penalties after Missouri’s infractions appeal was denied. Sanctions include recruiting restrictions and a maximum of five scholarship reductions.
Whoever Sterk picks will battle short-term obstacles typical of any coaching search. Coupled with big expectations, going with someone who fits culturally with Mizzou will be crucial. Regardless of how Odom’s tenure ended, there was no question he was held in high regard by his players, coaches and others around the program.
“Someone that brings a lot of energy and experience to the program,” Sterk said of who he’s looking for. “A leader. Quality individual that has had success in leading a program or as a coordinator at a high level. Those are some of the qualities.”