Some might be bothered if they knew the successor to Ryan Walters to lead Purdue football was his friend.

Barry Odom acknowledged his connection to Walters on Monday; even texting with his predecessor, though he didn't say when or what about, ahead of Odom leading the Boilermakers to Washington, where Walters is the defensive coordinator. But the college football coaching world is small, and this is one of several connections between the two staffs. Odom has known Washington's inside linebackers coach "since birth" — yes, his brother, Brian Odom.

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