Ryan Walters Hired as UW Huskies Defensive Coordinator

Ryan Walters has been hired as the new defensive coordinator for the University of Washington Huskies, replacing Steve Belichick, who is expected to join his father Bill Belichick's coaching staff at North Carolina. Walters comes to UW after a challenging tenure at Purdue, where he was dismissed following a 1-11 season, but he previously earned recognition for improving defensive rankings at Illinois. Coach Jedd Fisch praised Walters' experience in the Big Ten and his local ties to Seattle as key factors in the hiring decision. Walters aims to rebuild a struggling Huskies defense that will return only four starters from last season. Meanwhile, D.J. Smith, a former Green Bay Packers linebacker, has been appointed as the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State after a rapid rise through the coaching ranks. Smith's appointment marks a return to his alma mater as he aims to implement his vision for the Mountaineers' defense under new head coach Dowell Loggains.