Purdue ends Kevin Kane's second stint as defensive coordinator

Purdue head coach Barry Odom dismissed defensive coordinator Kevin Kane on Sunday. The decision came one day after the Boilermakers lost 34-29 to Maryland. Purdue allowed 27 points and multiple big plays in the second half of that game.

The loss ended a 13-game conference losing streak for Maryland. The Terrapins improved to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the Big Ten. Purdue dropped to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play. The result marked a regression for a defense that had shown progress over the previous month.

Odom described the second-half performance as inconsistent. He noted that the team gave up four explosive plays that were effectively touchdowns. He stated that the team will never win games if it allows such runs. Odom had previously declined to discuss staff changes, though he sounded more frustrated after Saturday's loss than in prior weeks.

Odom was not available for questions on Sunday. He has not announced a replacement. He is expected to discuss the change at his regular weekly news conference on Monday. Odom has handled defensive playcalling duties himself at previous coaching stops.

Purdue has struggled since reaching the Big Ten championship game in 2022. The program finished 2-10 last year with a winless conference record. Ryan Walters, Odom's predecessor, went 5-19 overall and 3-15 in conference play during his two seasons in West Lafayette. The defense fielded one of the worst statistical units in the nation last season.

Kane served as defensive coordinator during both of Walters' seasons. The entire staff was let go after the 2024 season. That year produced the two worst losses in program history against in-state rivals. Purdue fell 66-7 to Notre Dame and 66-0 at Indiana. Kane spent the 2025 season as Minnesota's linebackers coach and nickelbacks coach before returning to Purdue this year.

The Boilermakers opened the season with a win over Indiana State. They then suffered a 19-game losing streak in league play. An October victory over Illinois broke that streak. Fan pressure for a change returned after Saturday's game against Maryland. Odom said everyone from the head coach down the chain of command must do a better job to achieve quicker results.