COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Missouri’s athletic director wouldn’t tip his hand about who might replace retiring football coach Gary Pinkel, but said Houston’s Tom Herman, Memphis’ Justin Fuente and Tigers defensive coordinator Barry Odom are quality candidates.
Mack Rhoades said Wednesday that the decision will come down to finding the right fit.
Rhoades hired Herman last December at No. 13 Houston, which is 10-0. Memphis was 10-3 last year, won its first bowl game since 2005, and is 8-2 this year. Odom is in his first year as defensive coordinator at Missouri.
Odom also was on Pinkel’s staff in a variety of roles from 2003-11.
Pinkel will coach his final home game Saturday when Missouri (5-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) plays Tennessee (6-4, 3-3). The 63-year-old has been diagnosed with lymphoma and says he wants to get away from the grind of football.
Missouri AD: Replacing Pinkel about finding the right fit https://t.co/Ev1e7PLej7
RT @StLouisCityMo: Missouri AD: Replacing Pinkel about finding the right fit https://t.co/Ev1e7PLej7