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Illinois Coach Bret Bielema has found the man who will lead his defense – and he’s apparently poaching a seated defensive coordinator from a border rival. Although Illinois has yet to officially announce a hiring, FootballScoop first announced that Bielema would be hiring a defensive coordinator from Missouri. Ryan walters ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg also reported that Walters would be hired by Illinois. Football Scoop reported earlier this week that Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Wofford head coach Josh Conklin were also running for the job.
Walters, 34, has spent the last six years as a defensive assistant in Missouri: five cents Barry odom and a sub Eliah Drinkwitz. He spent the six years as a safety / defensive back coach, two seasons as a defensive co-coordinator (2016-17) and three seasons as a defensive coordinator (2018-20).
This past season under Drinkwitz, Missouri finished 85th in defense and 66th in total defense. In 2019 under the former head coach of Missouri Barry odom, Walters led Missouri to 16th place in defense and 14th place. In 2018, Missouri finished No. 50 in defense.
Walters has experience recruiting from St. Louis, which is expected to continue to be a priority recruiting area for Bielema, who has previously announced he remains a native of St. Louis. Cory Patterson as an assistant. Walters is a Los Angeles native who played safety in Colorado (2004-08), winning all 12 All-Big honors as a senior.
And after: Walters is the fourth assistant coach Bielema has hired (apparently) and the first defensive coach. With Walters on board, expect Bielema to quickly finalize his recruitments of defensive assistants.
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