Considered one of the nation's fastest-rising young coaches, Ryan Walters is in his second season as head coach of the Boilermakers. Walters was announced as the 37th head coach in Purdue Football history on Dec. 13, 2022. Hired at age 36 after spending two seasons as Illinois’ defensive coordinator, where he created the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense (12.3 points per game in 2022), Walters became the fourth-youngest coach in the Power 5 conferences.
A former safety at Colorado (2004-08), Walters tutored two of the nation's top defensive backs during his two-year stint in Champaign. Among six Illini defenders to earn All-Big Ten recognition in 2021 was safety Kerby Joseph, who became Illinois' first All-Big Ten First Team defensive back since 1989. Two more Illinois defensive backs accomplished the feat in 2022, with Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown earning first-team accolades from the conference. Notably, Witherspoon became Illinois' first Jim Thorpe Award finalist (top defensive back in college football) in school history this past season.
Before his tenure with the Illini, Walters spent six seasons at Missouri, including three as defensive coordinator. He oversaw an impressive transformation of the Tigers' defense into one of the Southeastern Conference's top units. His 2019 defense ranked in the nation's Top 20 in several categories, including total defense (14th NCAA; 3rd SEC - 312.0) and scoring defense (17th NCAA; 6th SEC - 19.4), while excelling as a Top 10 pass defense (8th in passing yards allowed NCAA; 2nd SEC - 179.3).
A native of Aurora, Colorado, Walters was a standout safety for the Buffaloes at Colorado, starting 33 times in 46 career appearances. He earned All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention during his senior season. Walters began his coaching career as a student assistant at Colorado, working with the secondary in 2009. He then spent two years on staff at Arizona, serving as a graduate assistant in 2010 before being promoted to defensive backs coach for the 2011 season.
Speaking Topics/Interests: Leadership, Transition from Player to Coach, Connecting with People
Ryan Walters is head coach in second Boilermakers' season.
Hired as 37th head coach in Purdue Football history.
Announced as Purdue's head coach on December 13, 2022.
Hired at age 36 after Illinois defensive coordinator tenure.
Developed Illinois' nation-leading defense, 12.3 points allowed per game.
Fourth-youngest Power 5 coach, significant career achievement by age.
Former defensive coordinator at Illinois; created top-scoring defense.
Coached Illinois defensive backs who earned All-Big Ten recognition.
Walters' teams consistently ranked high in national defensive statistics.
Transformed Missouri defense into one of SEC's top units.
Ryan Walters played safety for Colorado Buffaloes, collegiate standout.
Earned All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention during senior season.
Played for Colorado from 2004 to 2008, major football years.
Started coaching career as student assistant at Colorado 2009.
Joined Arizona staff as graduate assistant in the year 2010.
Promoted to Arizona defensive backs coach during 2011 season.
Walters coached secondary in first full-time role at Arizona.
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