Purdue drops defensive coordinator after allowing 27 second-half points

Purdue head coach Barry Odom dismissed defensive coordinator Kevin Kane on Sunday, cutting a nine-game tenure short after the Boilermakers surrendered 27 points in the second half of a 34-29 loss to Maryland. The defeat ended Maryland's 13-game Big Ten losing streak and dropped Purdue to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.

Odom cited a lack of consistency in the defense, noting that the unit allowed four explosive plays in the second half. "You can't play as good as we did early on defense, and then all of a sudden you give up four explosive plays, really for touchdowns," Odom said. "You'll never win games doing that."

The Boilermakers have faced pressure for a coaching change since their season-opening victory over Indiana State. Odom previously indicated he would handle the defensive playcalling himself, a role he occupied at previous jobs. He is scheduled to address the staff change and name the new coordinator during his weekly news conference on Monday.

Purdue's recent history includes a 5-19 record under former head coach Ryan Walters. Last season, the team finished 2-10 and went winless in the Big Ten. This season, the team broke a 19-game conference losing streak with an October win over Illinois, but the loss to Maryland revived earlier concerns about defensive performance.

Kane previously served as Purdue's defensive coordinator during both of Walters' seasons. The entire coaching staff was released after the 2024 season, which saw Purdue suffer record losses to Notre Dame and Indiana. Kane spent the 2025 season as Minnesota's linebackers coach before returning to West Lafayette this year.

Odom acknowledged the team's struggles but defended the coaching staff's effort. "Whatever we have done, it hasn't resulted in as quick a result as we have all wanted," he said. "I do think we have good coaches. I think we've got guys that are working really hard. But right now, when we play the way we did, not near consistent enough to play winning ball. I expect more. I know everybody else does too."