Following a disappointing 2-10 season that saw Purdue go a second consecutive season without winning a B1G conference game, Purdue and Head Coach Barry Odom announced that Defensive Coordinator Mike Scherer has left the program to seek out other opportunities. Scherer had previously been the defensive coordinator for Odom at UNLV and had played for Odom at Missouri. There is no word on any opportunities that may have lured Scherer away from the Boilers or if this was simply a mutual agreement to part
ways.
Purdue’s defense struggled immensely to stop opponents from explosive plays and generate turnovers. Purdue ranked tied for 188th with just 9 turnovers gained the entire season while also ranking 118th in total defense giving up 423.5 yards per game. That mark of 423.5 yards per game ranked 17th in the B1G and only ahead Rutgers, a team Purdue lost to 27-24. That Rutgers team, who would end up winning two conference games, gained a total of 543 yards.
An overview of major defensive statistics and where Purdue ranked this season:
Total Defense: 118th
Turnovers Generated: 118th
3rd Down Defensive %: 110th
4th Down Defensive %: 101st
First Down Allowed: 108th
Passing Yards Allowed: 107th (241.7)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 110th (181.8)
Scoring Defense: 115th (31.83)
Team Passing Defensive Efficiency: 127th
Sacks: 67th (24)
Team Tackles for Loss: 73rd (64)
There are no current known candidates that Odom would tab for the defensive coordinator role.
