Originally published Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Football | Has UW landed UCLA's Walker?

While The Sporting News reported that the Washington Huskies had hired DeWayne Walker as their new defensive coordinator Tuesday, several...

By Bob Condotta

Seattle Times staff reporter

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DeWayne Walker

While The Sporting News reported that the Washington Huskies had hired DeWayne Walker as their new defensive coordinator Tuesday, several other outlets were reporting it wasn't a done deal, and UW officials said they had nothing to announce.

Walker, who has been UCLA's defensive coordinator the past two years, is being hotly pursued by UW to revamp the Huskies' defense, with rumors circulating he is being offered a two-year contract deal.

New UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel wants Walker to stay and the Los Angeles Times reported Walker had not accepted the UW job and is scheduled to meet with Neuheisel today. The L.A. Daily News also reported that a UCLA official said as of Tuesday afternoon that Walker was still undecided.

Multiple reports said that if Walker does come to UW he will likely bring along several other UCLA defensive assistants, which could result in a massive reshaping of the Huskies' defensive staff.

Several reports indicated Neuheisel and Walker may be differing on the number of assistants Walker could keep from the current UCLA staff, which could be pushing Walker toward the Huskies.

There were other indications that Walker could be headed to Seattle because the Bruins may be hiring USC assistant Ken Norton Jr. — a former UCLA player — to replace Walker.

The Daily News also reported that Walker was to meet with UW president Mark Emmert in Los Angeles either Tuesday or today. A UW official said he could not confirm or deny that report.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com.

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