Purdue Fires Defensive Coordinator Kevin Kane

Purdue fired defensive coordinator Kevin Kane effective immediately, a day after the Boilermakers’ 34-29 loss to Maryland, ending his second stint in the role after nine games. Purdue is 3-6 and its defense ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten, including 17th in points allowed and last in total defense in some reported statistics. Kane had previously coordinated Purdue’s defense in 2023 and 2024, and his return under head coach Barry Odom before the 2026 season drew criticism; the team’s defensive struggles continued this year. Purdue has not announced who will call the defense, and Kane is owed the remaining value of a contract running through December 2027. The Boilermakers have Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana remaining on their schedule.