Purdue coach Barry Odom fired defensive coordinator Kevin Kane on Sunday following a 34-29 loss to Maryland. The decision came after the Boilermakers allowed 27 second-half points and multiple big plays, marking a regression despite recent defensive progress. Purdue (3-6, 2-4 Big Ten) had snapped a 19-game conference losing streak with an October win over Illinois, but the Maryland defeat ended hopes of stability.
Fans had clamored for Kane's removal since the season-opening loss to Indiana State. Odom, who declined to name a replacement, is expected to address the change at his Monday press conference. The move follows a turbulent period for the program, which suffered its two worst losses in history to Notre Dame and Indiana in 2024 under Ryan Walters.
Kane previously served as Odom's coordinator during Walters' tenure and also worked as Minnesota's linebackers coach last season. Odom emphasized collective responsibility, stating the team must improve across the board to play winning defense.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing