1-11?. That’s where this program landed last season. But they’re not taking it lying down. They raked in $32 million last year, but their $18.69M recruiting spend and $13.5M on athletic performance didn’t translate to wins. Now, they’re flipping the script, pouring that cash into a coaching staff shakeup that could be a game-changer. Can they turn this financial firepower into a championship-caliber team? Well, it’s put-up-or-shut-up time in West Lafayette.
The Purdue Boilermakers are making history! For the first time ever, both their offensive and defensive coordinators, Josh Henson and Mike Scherer, are joining the million-dollar club. It’s a big move for Barry Odom’s squad, showing just how serious they are about turning things around.
Now, with these recent advancements, Henson’s three-year contract begins at $1.1 million, while Scherer’s deal starts at $1 million and will increase to $1.3 million by 2027. It’s evident that Purdue is demonstrating their willingness to surpass their financial limits by compensating top coaches to revitalize the program.
Purdue football crosses into the club of $1 million assistant coaches for the first time:https://t.co/9QEb8cAHod
— Nathan Baird (@nwbaird) February 17, 2025
This substantial pay increase contrasts sharply with Purdue’s historically lower assistant coach salaries. Under Ryan Walters, the highest-paid assistant earned just $950k. While Odom’s contract doesn’t include a set assistant coach pool like Walters’ did, the paychecks for Henson and Scherer clearly demonstrate Purdue’s commitment. With this increased financial backing, Odom’s staff is finally receiving the compensation it deserves.
Now here’s the kicker: Coach Odom, who has signed a six-year deal worth at least $39 million, is backing up his words with action—“committed to doing what’s needed.” Purdue is allocating a total of $3.6 million for these six key coaching positions in 2025, which will increase to $4 million by 2027. The school is ensuring that Odom has the necessary resources to rebuild the program.
However, the coaches don’t have complete freedom, as there is a condition in their contracts. If either coordinator leaves for another job, they will have to pay Purdue 100% of the remaining contract value. There is an exception, though, as there will be no buyout if they secure a head coach position or move to the NFL after 2026. But for now, it’s a huge win for the team, making their roster much stronger.
Barry Odom shaping Purdue’s future
When faced with a challenging situation, those who dig deep often rewrite the narrative. This is the position Barry Odom and Purdue football currently find themselves in following a tough 1-11 season and significant player losses to the transfer portal. However, there is no need to panic just yet. Odom is taking proactive steps by delving into the transfer portal and planning for the future. While Purdue’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked 95th nationally, there are promising talents waiting to emerge.
Among them are three freshmen who could provide the much-needed boost for the Boilermakers. Leading the pack is Landon Brooks, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive end poised to enhance the pass rush. With an impressive track record of 22 sacks and a strong leadership mentality from his time at Delta High School, Brooks has the potential to make an immediate impact on a defensive line lacking depth.
And don’t forget Jaron Thomas, a super-fast runner from Elkhart, Indiana! After two seasons with 2,800+ rushing yards and 40 TDs, Thomas could be a huge success for Purdue. If he uses his speed to score, he’ll really change things up on offense.
Last up, we have Jon Grimmett—Purdue’s tight end—who might be their saving grace. See, the Boilermakers lost three tight ends, one a top recruit to Ohio State, so Grimmett’s chances of playing right away are way better now. It’s evident that the 2025 Boilermakers aren’t getting much hype, but they could be the ones to make Purdue’s program bounce back fast. Now with a hefty investment and skilled players, let’s wait and see how things turn out for them.
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