The San José State football team had one of its worst defensive performances in recent memory with a 55-10 loss to Nevada, leading to the firing of multiple coaches.
SJSU announced on Monday the firing of Derrick Odum, the associate head coach and defensive coordinator along with special teams analyst Joe Palcic.
The team moved quickly to fill the defensive coordinator role, promoting inside linebackers coach Bojay Filimoeatu to interim defensive coordinator for the final two games of the season.
SJSU Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo said the decision was difficult but necessary.
“We appreciate the contributions (Odum) and (Palcic) have made to our program and wish them and their families the very best,” Niumatalolo said in an SJSU Athletics news release. “At this time, we believe a change is necessary to reinforce our commitment to excellence for our student-athletes, staff and community.”
Odum spent nine seasons with the Spartans and played a key role in SJSU’s 2020 Mountain West Conference championship run, where the defense allowed just 19.88 points per game.
This season, however, the Spartans are giving up 32.4 points per game.
The team has also been eliminated from bowl contention, ending a streak of three straight bowl appearances.
Filimoeatu, who played for the Raiders during the 2014 NFL season, said he is grateful for the opportunity and mentorship from Odum.
“He taught me a lot. I was with him at Oregon State in 2016 and was fortunate to come here with him and Coach (Brent) Brennan,” Filimoeatu said. “I learned so much from him, not just football, but life in general. I’ll always be grateful for Coach Odum.”
Filimoeatu helped develop linebackers such as Jordan Cobbs, who recorded 69 tackles last season, and current senior Jordan Pollard, who leads the team with 77 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
He now steps into a larger role working with a defense that includes senior defensive back Jalen Bainer, who has three interceptions this season.
SJSU offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann said the staff understands the business side of college football but acknowledged that the personal side makes decisions like this difficult.
“It’s always tough. You get into this knowing it’s a cutthroat, production-based business,” Stutzmann said. “Whether it’s going golfing, hanging out or bouncing around ideas, it’s hard because you build friendships and bonds that feel like family.”
Filimoeatu and the Spartans now turn their focus to the final stretch of the season, beginning Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against San Diego State at Snapdragon Stadium.
