Barry Odom has made his selection for defensive coordinator as he prepares for his first season as head coach at UNLV.

Mike Scherer, a former Arkansas assistant and Missouri linebacker, will assume the role for the Rebels.

The 29-year-old Scherer was most recently Arkansas’ linebacker coach and acted as interim defensive coordinator for Sam Pittman when Odom took the position at UNLV.

Odom is ecstatic to reunite with Scherer and emphasized the excellent track record he brings to the position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to Las Vegas,” Odom said. “He is an elite defensive mind who has a great understanding of our defensive system. His experience as a student-athlete and then as a coach will be valuable to the foundation of our program at UNLV. His position group produced All-Americans for consecutive years and his knowledge of our defense and understanding of the development of student-athletes makes Mike an ideal fit to serve as our defensive coordinator, which is imperative to our team’s success.”

Scherer is thankful for the role and eager to get started in Las Vegas.

“Coach Odom recruited me out of high school and I’ve been with him as a player, a GA, an analyst, an assistant and now a coordinator,” Scherer said. “I know first-hand that he’s a great leader of young men and I am grateful to be in position to help him continue that here at UNLV. I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started building an aggressive, attacking-style defense while helping develop student-athletes on and off the field.”