New Mexico State hires Walker
By Daily Bruin Staff
Jan. 4, 2009 10:17 p.m.
Last week, UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker was named the next coach of the New Mexico State University football team.
Walker leaves UCLA after three years of leading the Bruins defensive unit. Prior to his stint at UCLA, Walker served as the secondary coach for three NFL teams, including the Washington Redskins, New England Patriots and New York Giants, as well as other college teams such as Oklahoma State and California.
This year, UCLA’s passing defense ranked 11th, holding its opponents to just 167.6 yards per game through the air.
“DeWayne is a first-class coach and a first-class man who certainly deserves the opportunity to run his own program,” coach Rick Neuheisel said in a statement. “DeWayne has been a terrific asset to UCLA, both on and off the field, and he will be missed. I, and the entire UCLA family, thank him for what he has done for our program and wish him well.”
Neuheisel hopes to fill the vacancy soon. He said he has some prospects in mind and wants to hire a defensive coordinator within the next few weeks.
“Because I felt there was an excellent chance DeWayne would get a head coaching opportunity, I have a list of candidates for the position,” Neuheisel said.
Compiled by Sara Salam, Bruin Sports senior staff.
