Purdue fires coach Ryan Walters after disastrous season

Purdue, located in the United States, terminated football coach Ryan Walters on December 1, 2024, following a devastating 66-0 loss to rival Indiana. Walters struggled throughout his brief tenure, ending with a 5-19 overall record. Under his leadership, the team ranked last in the nation for both scoring offense and scoring defense. Purdue, traditionally known for its high-powered offensive plays, saw its performance dip significantly after Walters took over. When he was hired in December 2022, it was expected that he would replicate his success at Illinois, where he had built a formidable defense. However, Walters' defensive strategies led to a massive decline in Purdue's performance on both sides of the ball. Throughout 16 of his 24 games as head coach, the Boilermakers allowed at least 31 points, indicating significant issues in defensive execution. Furthermore, the offensive performance deteriorated, moving away from the previously established offensive identity that characterized the team before Walters' arrival. In efforts to adapt, Walters hired Graham Harrell, an advocate for the Air Raid offensive scheme, but ultimately fired him after just three losses in the season. This decision was made without appointing a qualified play-caller, leading the team to an inexperienced analyst, Jason Simmons, as the interim offensive coordinator. Simultaneously, Walters attempted to adopt a more conservative offensive strategy that conflicted with the principles of the Air Raid system, creating confusion and inconsistency within the team. As the season progressed, it became clear that Walters was not effectively harnessing the talent and potential of his players, resulting in significant struggles both in scoring and defending. The decision to fire Walters is a reflection of the need for a complete turnaround within the program.