Walker officially leaves NMSU for NFL job

The New Mexico State Athletics Department announced Thursday that DeWayne Walker has accepted the defensive backs coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Walker was the Aggies’ head coach from 2008-2012.

ABC-7 first reported that Walker would leave for the Jacksonville job on Tuesday.

“I really appreciate the opportunity that Dr. Boston and New Mexico State gave me to be a division I head football coach,” Walker said in a statement released by NMSU Thursday. “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!”

Because Walker left on his own with four years left on his contract, NMSU is able to avoid having to buy out Walker’s contract which could have been very costly.

ABC-7 has learned Doug Martin will be named interim NMSU head coach.