Dawson Odums “leaning toward” relinquishing Southern defensive coordinator duties

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern coach Dawson Odums said he’s “leaning toward” hiring a defensive coordinator to take those duties off his hands.

Odums has held the dual roles since being promoted to interim head coach two games into the 2012 season, and he’s considering how to revamp his staff in the wake of four departures last month.

The recent firing of defensive line coach Myron Jackson, linebackers coach Lorick Atkinson and cornerbacks coach Chris Scott gives Odums flexibility as he hires replacements. Odums also has to replace co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/recruiting coordinator Chad Germany, who has announced his resignation, effective Jan. 14.

“I’m in no hurry,” Odums said Monday in his first public comments since The Advocate reported the departures Dec. 2. “I haven’t decided (about a defensive coordinator). It’s like riding a horse — some days he agrees with you and some days he doesn’t. I’ve leaned both ways. Right now I’m leaning toward (hiring a defensive coordinator).”

Odums said he doesn’t expect to ,,,

CONTINUE READING