Missouri knew there would be bumps in the transition from longtime coach Gary Pinkel, but the season it had wasn’t quite what it had in mind.
After starting 2-2, thanks to wins against overmatched opponents in Eastern Michigan and Delaware State, the bottom fell out: five straight losses, which squashed any chances for Barry Odom to reach a bowl in his debut season. Even late successes against Vanderbilt and Arkansas didn’t salvage a 4-8 year.
Missouri lost several defensive starters to dismissal or season-shortening injuries. Defensive line coach Jackie Shipp was fired from the program in the final week after an internal incident.