NMSU hires Mumme's exact opposite as new head coach

The New Mexico State program got tired of losing shootouts in the Hal Mumme era. Now, they're hoping to lose ugly, defensive battles.

The Aggies named UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker as their new head coach, marking the beginning of a new era of NMSU defensive football. Or not. As you might recall, UCLA gave up 59 points to BYU last season in a 59-0 drubbing. In hindsight, it was probably good preparation for life in the WAC as an NMSU head coach.

The 48-year-old Walker has a major rebuilding project on his hands with New Mexico State. The Aggies lost their last seven games to end the season and own the nation’s current longest streak without a bowl appearance, last playing in the 1960 Sun Bowl.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said Tuesday he has no doubts that Walker will be successful at New Mexico State.
Is this because Walker is not Hal Mumme or is it because Neuheisel has never been to NMSU?

It should be noted that Walker was almost picked for the head coach position at UCLA when it came available last offseason. To go from head coach candidate at a storied Pac-10 school to head coach in Las Cruces where football goes to die is quite a step down. It would appear that Walker is already out of his league and he just got into his league.

Read more:

UCLA's Walker picked as New Mexico State coach [Yahoo! Sports]
Congratulations on the new gig, but are you sure about this? [Dr. Saturday]