UNLV coach Barry Odom gets contract upgrade after big 2023

UNLV coach Barry Odom received a one-year extension through the 2028 season on Friday after the school posted its best win total in 39 years last season.

Odom also had retention bonuses added to his contract after the Rebels went 9-5. UNLV shared the Mountain West regular-season crown before losing 44-20 to Boise State in the conference title game.

The Rebels also played in a bowl game for the first time since the 2013 season, losing 49-36 to Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Odom, 47, was named Mountain West Coach of the Year after leading UNLV to just its second winning season since 2000.

“We are obviously thrilled about what Barry Odom and his staff did in year one leading Rebel football,” UNLV athletic director Erick Harper said in a news release. “The program is on an upward trajectory and we could not be more excited about him leading the way.

“Barry continues to be a man of his word, focusing on growing all phases of the program the right way. He is committed to his players, coaches and staff and with the newly expanded CFP he is laying a foundation that gives Rebel Football a chance to compete at the highest level.”

Odom received a five-year, $9.75 million deal when hired by UNLV in December 2022. He reportedly made $1.75 million last season.

Odom’s retention bonuses reportedly line up this way: $200,000 in March 2026 and 2028 and $100,000 in February 2029.

“I’m excited about the foundation we have built in the past 16 months and I certainly look forward to our strong future,” Odom said in the news release. “I’m thankful for our staff and our student-athletes — they are on a mission to win a championship.”

Odom previously served as coach of Missouri from 2016-19 and compiled a 25-25 record.