GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Jerry Odom has been named the head football coach at Tusculum College announced interim athletic director Doug Jones. Odom was introduced to the Tusculum community at a press conference Monday morning at the Niswonger Student Commons on the Greeneville campus. (Watch Full Press Conference) (Watch Brian Stayton's interview with Coach Odom)

Odom, a 25-year football coaching veteran, boasts a strong lineage of experience at the collegiate and professional ranks where he has mentored 15 NFL players and coached in five postseason bowl games including the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Outback Bowl.

The Merritt Island, Florida native served the last six seasons as the associate head coach at NCAA-FCS Jacksonville University where he was the chief architect of some of the best defensive units in the program's history. While at the Jacksonville, Florida school, Odom helped guide the Dolphins to 47-19 overall record, including a pair of 9-2 campaigns in his last two years at JU.

"Jerry Odom is a perfect fit for Tusculum College. He is a man of character who is committed to the overall development of our student-athletes," said Jones. "Jerry has been successful at the highest levels of college football. His reputation as one of the best defensive minds in the game was very attractive to us. I truly believe that Jerry has a plan that will position our football program into the upper echelon of the South Atlantic Conference."

This past season, his defense led the nation for a second consecutive year with 20 interceptions, while also forcing 10 fumbles resulting in 30 turnovers gained, the third-best tally in the country. The Dolphins finished 2015 ranked 11th in team tackles for loss, 11th in team sacks (33), 12th in passing efficiency defense (104.7), 15th in scoring defense (19.1 ppg), 17th in red zone defense (68.4%), 23rd in total defense (326.2 ypg) and 23rd in rushing defense (127.4 ypg).

In 2014, Odom's defense led the country with 24 interceptions and was the Pioneer League statistical champion for scoring defense (17.5 ppg - 6th in NCAA-FCS), passing efficiency defense (98.9 - 3rd in NCAA-FCS) and turnovers gained (33 - 2nd in NCAA-FCS). The Dolphins were also nationally-ranked in total defense (334.5 ypg - 23rd in NCAA-FCS) and rushing defense (135.9 ypg - 19th in NCAA-FCS).

During his tenure at Jacksonville, 47 defensive players earned All-Conference recognition, including a Pioneer League-best 10 honorees in 2015.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the head football coach at Tusculum College. My family and I are looking forward to being a part of the Greeneville community, while building a strong program which the Tusculum faithful can be proud of," said Odom.

Prior to joining the JU staff, Odom was the associate head coach and special teams coordinator with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League from 2008-2009. The Soul tied the AFL single-season wins record with 17 victories, while capturing the world championship.

Odom was also the head coach at Coffee County High School in Douglas, Georgia from 2005-2007. His teams posted a 22-12 record for the best three-year run in school history. After going 4-6 in his first season, the Trojans put together back-to-back nine-win campaigns for the first time ever. For his efforts, he was named the 2006 Region 1-5A Coach of the Year, which has been recognized as the toughest high school football region in the country by USA Today.

"I was attracted to Tusculum because of the outstanding facilities and the College's unique and diverse educational system. I believe it is a wonderful opportunity," Odom added. "My goals for our program are very simple. We will care about our players. We want this to be a family atmosphere where we are all in it together. We want to graduate our student-athletes and put them in an environment to become great men, husbands and fathers. We also want to win conference championships. Our goal every year will be to win the South Atlantic Conference title, and I believe we can. Why not us...why not Tusculum. PIONEER UP!!!!"

From 2003-2005, Odom was the defensive coordinator/special teams coordinator at East Carolina University. While at the Greenville, North Carolina program, ECU led Conference USA in kickoff returns, punt returns and kickoff coverage. While with the Pirates, Odom also recruited the likes of running back Chris Johnson, who went on to become the NFL's leading rusher in 2009 with the Tennessee Titans.

From 2000-2002, he served as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at the University of Florida as Odom helped lead the Gators to a top-10 ranking in total defense in each of his three seasons in Gainesville. He mentored All-Southeastern Conference linebacker Andra Davis, who finished as a national semifinalist for the 2001 Butkus Award. His linebacker corps sparked a Gator defense that was ranked 18th nationally. Florida went 28-10 during that three-year span, including a 10-3 record while capturing the 2000 SEC Championship and advanced to the Sugar Bowl. The 2001 team went 10-2 and knocked off Maryland in the Orange Bowl. Florida finished 8-5 the next year and earned a bid to the Outback Bowl.

Odom played collegiately at Florida where he was a four-year letterman at inside linebacker for the Gators from 1987-1990. He started in every game in his junior and senior campaigns on a defense that was among the nation's top-five in total defense in 1988, 1989 and 1990. His senior squad tied for first place in the 1990 SEC standings with a 9-2 record as he led the Gators in tackles for a second consecutive season while earning All-SEC third team honors. He was an All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 1987 and was tabbed to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 1990 while also serving as the Gators' team captain.

Odom served as a graduate assistant coach on the Florida staff in 1991 as the Gators won the SEC Championship with a 10-2 record and played in the Sugar Bowl.

He has coached at various high schools in Florida and also served as a graduate assistant at Texas Christian University under Pat Sullivan.

From 1992-1998, Odom played professionally with the AFL's Orlando Predators for seven seasons as a linebacker/running back. He helped the Predators to four Arena Bowl appearances (1992, 1994, 1995, 1998) and won the title in 1998. He retired as Orlando's career rushing yardage leader and ranked fifth in AFL history.

Odom graduated from Florida in 1991 while majoring in health and human performance with a minor in education.

He is married to the former Donna Carter of Charleston, South Carolina and they are the parents of two sons, Reid and Clay.

- TC -

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH ODOM:

""Jerry is a tireless worker with a plan and vision - Tusculum has made a great decision."
Will Muschamp, Head Coach - University of South Carolina

"I have worked with a lot of coaches in my career and I you won't find one who is more passionate than Jerry Odom. He stands for everything that is good about college athletics and he truly cares about his student-athletes and those around his football program. Tusculum has made a great hire."
Alan Verlander - Chief Operating officer of Gator Bowl Sports and Entertainment, former director of athletics - Jacksonville University

"Jerry did an outstanding job while he was at Florida, not only as a player, but especially as a coach. He has a tremendous passion for the game and is an extremely hard worker. Tusculum College has made a great hire and will be very glad to have him guiding their football program."
Jeremy Foley, Director of Athletics - University of Florida

"Jerrry grew up in a football family and has the passion for the game that will make a great fit for Tusculum College, the Greeneville community and the Pioneer football family."
Ron Zook, special teams coordinator - Green Bay Packers and former head coach - University of Florida

"Jerry Odom is a passionate coach who is going to bring a lot of excitement to the Tusculum family. He is a very focused on the program's goals and his players will love to play for him. He is a players' coach and it should be an outstanding future for the Pioneer football program."
Kerwin Bell, former head football coach - Jacksonville University"