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DeMontie Cross’ tenure as Missouri’s defensive coordinator ended just two games into the 2017 season.
Barry Odom, in his second year as Missouri’s head coach, explained the reasoning behind the decision Monday.
“This has absolutely zero to do with on-the-field performance,” Odom told reporters. “More to do with philosophical differences.”
Cross, a Missouri safety from 1994-96, was dismissed Sunday. The Tigers, who stand at 1-1 (0-1 SEC), have allowed 73 points in two games. It gave up 43 points in a win over in-state FCS foe Missouri State in the opener and 31 points in a home loss to South Carolina last Saturday.
Sunday’s dismissal was somewhat symbolic, as Cross had already lost defensive play-calling duties seven games into the 2016 campaign. And when Odom took over those duties, the Tigers showed little improvement, finishing last in the SEC in total defense.
In Missouri’s two games this season, Odom called the defensive plays in a grouping along with co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ryan Walters, outside linebackers coach Brian Odom and defensive line coach Brick Haley suggesting possible alignments as well.
Monday, Odom said he will take over coaching the Mike and Will linebackers, which Cross had formerly done. He also said he wasn’t worried about stretching himself too thin.
“I am in a better spot than I was last year,” Odom said.
Missouri hosts Purdue this Saturday. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field is set for 4 p.m. ET.
Odom on firing Cross: "This has absolutely zero to do with on-the field performance. More to do with philosophical differences."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 11, 2017
Odom on reshuffling coaching duties: He will coach the Mike and Will linebackers who were coached by Cross, plus grad assistants
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 11, 2017
Odom not worried about having too much on his plate."I am in a better spot than I was last year."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 11, 2017
Odom noted that director of ops Mike McHugh & AD Jim Sterk have helped take more off his plate to help him handle added role of LB coach
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 11, 2017
Ryan Black covers Georgia football for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanABlack.
