Sporting News: Walker to Washington

Tom Dienhart of the Sporting News reported:

"The University of Washington has hired UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker as its new defensive coordinator, Sporting News has learned.

"Walker, who coached the Bruins in this season's Las Vegas Bowl in place of the fired Karl Dorrell, is replacing Karl Baer on Tyrone Willingham's staff.

"Landing Walker is a coup for Washington, which hasn't been to a bowl since 2002. Walker brings an impressive resume to Seattle that includes extensive NFL experience with the Redskins, Giants and Patriots.

"He'll take over a beleaguered Washington defense that finished last in the Pac-10 in 2007 (446 yards per game). Walker must deliver, as Willingham will be on a hot seat in 2008.

"Walker is considered to be one of the best defensive coordinators in the nation. He did some of his best work the last two years with UCLA. His 2006 defense led the Pac-10, while this season's unit ranked fourth in the conference.

"New UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel wanted to keep Walker. Not only does losing him to Washington hurt UCLA's defense, it also will be a blow to the Bruins' recruiting efforts. Walker was one of the school's best recruiters, and there could be fallout with regard to UCLA's strong 2008 class."

Comments

[BeachDawg]

So, what does your source from last night say about the Sporting News report? I am sure that both Husky fans and Bruin fans would like this situation resolved sooner, rather than later.

[Jon K.]

The Sporting News has been wrong before. Let's hope that this is the case again.

Neulheiser and Guerrero need to keep Walker.

If Walker goes, I'd blame Guerrero even more than Walker.

GO BRUINS!

[pk-in-the-mesa]

Well that was a nobrainer, i mean how many people if presented a better opp. would stay at a place that turned you down and couldn't pay you as much. Same will go for Chow because the Titans will just give him a raise to keep him, not only is Neuheisel a weird guy he is delusional. Ucla doesn't have any money left the fact that they let other coaches go and my tax dollar doesn't count as much as people giving money to private schools. So now Ucla has to hope and i mean hope that this guy stays clean and sticks around or they will be hiring H.S. assistant coach's.

[Scott]

How sad, if in fact Walker is leaving. The whole process of hiring the UCLA head coach has been ugly. Reading some of the other blogs has made me wonder what has happened to civility and respect for others. It has also made somewhat ashamed of being a Bruin alum.