Illinois
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In January 2021, a report surfaced that Walters was among three finalists to join
Bret Bielema's new staff at
Illinois. The other finalists were reportedly
Oklahoma State defensive coordinator
Jim Knowles, and
Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom, Walters' former boss at Missouri. Odom eventually elected to stay with Arkansas, and on January 6, 2021, Walters was announced as the new DC for the Illini.
[27][28] In 2022, the Illini defense under Walters was 2nd nationally in points allowed, 3rd in total defense, 3rd in yards per play, 1st in interceptions, and 1st in takeaways.
[29] Walters was named a finalist for the 2022 Broyles Award, celebrating the nation's top coordinator.
[30]