Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has been named the new head coach at Purdue, the school announced Tuesday.
Walters replaces Jeff Brohm who left for Louisville late last week.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to serve as the head football coach at Purdue University,” Walters said in a statement released by the school. “I am grateful to Director of Athletics Mike Bobinski and to President Daniels for this incredible opportunity. Purdue is a world-class university, and our football program will pursue the same excellence exhibited across our campus. My wife Tara and I, along with our boys, are beyond excited to join the Purdue and West Lafayette communities. Boiler Up!”
Walters emerged as one of the nation’s best defensive play callers over the last two seasons with the Illini, helping Bret Bielema resurrect the program. The Illini went 8-4 this season, with five wins holding their opponents under seven points and seven wins at 10 points or fewer.
The 36-year old becomes the fourth-youngest coach in FBS football behind Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham (32), South Alabama’s Kane Wommack (35) and Oregon’s Dan Lanning (36).