Mississippi State Hires Cliff Odom as Special Teams Coordinator

Mississippi State head football coach Jeff Lebby reveals why former New Mexico State defensive backs coach Cliff Odom was the best candidate for the job.

Mississippi State head football coach Jeff Lebby continued to add the final pieces to his new staff on Monday, as he appointed New Mexico State defensive backs coach Cliff Odom as the Bulldogs' special teams coordinator.

In his two years at New Mexico State, the 35-year-old helped the Aggies reach back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1959 and 1960.

"We're excited to bring coach Odom to Starkville," Lebby said. "His passion, work ethic and attention to detail makes him an ideal fit to lead our special teams units. Coach Odom has both played and coached at the highest level of college football and has shown a knack for getting the most out of his guys at every one of his coaching stops. We know he'll do the same here at state."

"We are beyond excited to join coach Lebby and the outstanding staff at Mississippi State," Odom said. "Coach Lebby's leadership brings out the absolute best in people, both on and off the field. We look forward to continuing the rich tradition of Mississippi State football and embedding ourselves in the Starkville community!"

Cliff Odom bio

• Hometown: Arlington, Texas
• Birthday: Oct. 2, 1988
• High School: James Martin HS
• College: Baylor, 2007-09
• Wife: Brittany
• Children: C.K.

Coaching history

• 2022-23: New Mexico State (Defensive Backs)
• 2020-21: Eastern Illinois (Defensive Backs/Specialist)
• 2018-19: UCF (Special Teams Quality Control)
• 2017: Stetson (Defensive Backs)
• 2016: Missouri (Graduate Assistant)
• 2015: TCU (Graduate Assistant)
• 2012-14: Martin High School (Secondary)

Playing history

• 2007-09: Defensive back at Baylor
• Odom mostly played during his junior year, as he logged 33 tackles, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception in 2009.

Bowls coached

• 2023: New Mexico Bowl (New Mexico State)
• 2019: Gasparilla (UCF)
• 2018: Fiesta (UCF)
• 2015: Alamo Bowl (TCU)

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