Coach DeWayne Walker speaks exclusively with ABC-7 about leaving NMSU for NFL

In an exclusive interview with ABC-7, Coach DeWayne Walker is telling KVIA he’s excited to be headed back to the NFL, but he also regrets leaving NMSU after four years.

“I thought (the Jacksonville Jaguars) did a real good job of making me say no,” said Walker in a phone interview, “I just looked at the pros and cons of everything, and ti’s a great opportunity and there’s definitely other factors.”

Walker says “family” has a lot to do with the decision he made: “I do have a son and daughter that’ll move there (to Jacksonville). I felt this was an opportunity that I needed to take.”

Coach Walker didn’t talk salary numbers, however, it’s been reported that he’s negotiating a 2-3 year contract. Walker said he wasn’t actively pursuing jobs in the NFL and was looking forward to continue building up the New Mexico State football program. However, he said his longtime colleague Pete Carroll, Coach of the Seattle Seahawks, recommended Walker as a candidate to staff on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Pete Carroll threw my name out (to the Jaguars). I know when we spoke earlier he was hesitant because I am a head coach. One thing led to another. He did a good job just creating an opportunity for me that panned out.”

Walker only won 10 times in 50 games over the last four years with New Mexico State. However, he tells ABC-7 he was optimistic NMSU was going to get over the hump and have a winning season -sooner-, rather than -later-.

“I think some of the things that are happening now behind close doors to boost forward, -when you look at your competitors and look at a way to see what NMSU can do to get on a level playing field. And once NMSU gets on a level playing field, this program is going to take off”

“Dr. Boston and everybody involved. They are taking a step in the right direction of trying to do some things to continue to improve the program.

Former NMSU Offensive Coordinator Doug Martin will be named the interim head football coach for the Aggies, and he has DeWayne Walker’s endorsement.

“I’m hoping and praying they hire Doug Martin,” said Walker, ” I’m doing everything I can to push him. He’ll take the program to the next level. He’s loved by the players. If I have one wish (left), it’s hire Doug Martin.”

“pete Carroll threw my name out (to the Jaguars). I know when we spoke earlier he was hesitant because I am a head coach. One thing led to another. He did a good job just creating an opportunity for me that panned out.”

“I was really excited about the football team coming back. This will be a much better team, no doubt about it.

In an earlier statement released by NMSU, Coach Walker said:

“I really appreciate the opportunity that Dr. Boston and New Mexico State gave me to be a division I head football coach. Unfortunately, I did not get the program as far as I would have liked from a wins and losses standpoint. But, we do have a better locker room, better kids and a better foundation for the program moving forward. There are a lot of people that I want to thank for their support and will be reaching out to those individuals in the coming days. They have helped me in moving the program forward. I am excited about starting a new chapter in my coaching career, as is my family. I wish New Mexico State great success in the future and wish everyone the best. Go Aggies!”