Former Purdue football head coach Ryan Walters has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies, a decision announced on Friday by Coach Jedd Fisch.

Walter’s tenure at Purdue resulted in a disappointing 5-19 record over two seasons, leading to his dismissal at the end of last season. However, prior to his time at Purdue, Walters made a name for himself as a defensive strategist at the University of Illinois. Under his leadership, the Illinois defense saw a remarkable turnaround; after finishing 97th in scoring defense and 114th in total defense in 2020, the team’s performance improved significantly in subsequent years. By 2022, Illinois ranked first nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 12.3 points per game, and second in total defense, conceding an average of 263.8 yards.

“Bringing Ryan Walters on board will help us strengthen our defensive foundation as we aim to enhance our performance for the 2024 season,” Fisch remarked. He emphasized the importance of Walters’ extensive experience in the Big Ten Conference and noted the coach’s strong familial connections to the Seattle area as additional factors in the hiring process.

Ryan Walters played college football at the University of Colorado and served as a graduate assistant at several institutions, including Colorado, Arizona, and Oklahoma. His coaching experience also encompasses roles as a defensive backs coach at North Texas, Memphis, and Missouri, showcasing his diverse background in developing defensive talent.