Rumors True: Walker Turns Down Stanford Job
So apparently the rumors have proven true, DC DeWayne Walker was approached about the Stanford head coaching position. Brian Dohn, of The Daily News, is reporting that Walker was invited to interview for the position and he turned down the interview. Even though Walker wants to be a head coach, it’s an obvious decision to turn down the Stanford job.
Next year UCLA returns nearly every starter on a vastly improved defense, along with nearly every starter on offense (the big question mark). Walker would be crazy not to ride the crest of the massive wave he started with the turnaround story this year. The win against SC with the nation watching propelled Walker’s name on the national stage. Next year can only get better for a 7-5 team, and with a better regular season showing Walker is sure to benefit even more. It’s odd that Dohn reports that Walker’s decision to turn down the interview demonstrates his “commitment to UCLA.” It only demonstrates that he is not willing to leave this year.
Next year Walker will get a shot at more choice jobs than Stanford. And he will take one of them, unless other rumors of his son coming to Westwood are true. If his son comes to UCLA we can’t discount the effect that might have on his decision to stay or go. If our prediction that Dorrell jumps to the NFL next year is true, Walker could stay for the HC job at UCLA, as we have noted. All speculation of course, but so far our “insane” prediction that KD and Walker will be gone in ‘08 is looking more and more like conventional wisdom.
