Update >> Purdue has formally announced the decision.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 1, 2024
After falling behind 28-0 to rival Indiana, Purdue was unable to get things turned around in the second half of a 66-0 route and is set to make a change.
Sources confirm to FootballScoop that head coach Ryan Walters will not return after losing their 11th game in a row. Pete Thamel was among the first to report the move that has been widely expected.
He led Purdue to a 4-8 record in his debut season last fall, but last night's loss marked the end of a brutal 1-11 season.
In two seasons, he was 5-19 overall.
After beating FCS Indiana State to open the year, Purdue was blown out by Notre Dame 66-7, and then suffered a double-digit loss to Oregon State the following week.
The Boilermakers did lose some tight games earlier this fall, dropping a 50-49 overtime decision to Illinois in mid-October before a 26-20 overtime loss to Northwestern in early November.
Following the fourth game of the year, the Boilermakers were the first FBS program to make a change at coordinator, dismissing offensive coordinator Graham Harrell in late September after a 1-3 start. At that point they ranked 104th nationally in scoring following a 28-10 loss to Nebraska.
Walters landed the head job in West Lafayette prior to the 2023 season after building an excellent reputation as a defensive coordinator, first at Missouri before landing with Bret Bielema and Illinois.
The Illini defense excelled under Walters guidance in 2022, his second season with the program. They finished ranked second nationally in points per game, 3rd in yards per play, and led the nation in both interceptions and takeaways.
A former safety at Colorado, Walters earned a nod as a finalist for the 2022 Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football.
He will be due a buyout in the ballpark of $9.3 million, which is 75% of his remaining base compensation, as he was under contract through the 2027 season.
The job becomes the third Power Four job to open so far this cycle, joining North Carolina who parted ways with Mack Brown earlier this week.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.