Purdue's Ryan Walters has learned 'long list of things' in 2024

It has been an eventful and often bumpy ride for Ryan Walters in his second season at the helm. And, it’s not over yet. There are three games to go for Purdue (1-8 overall; 0-6 Big Ten) beginning with this Saturday’s visit from No. 4 Penn State (8-1; 5-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

What has Walters learned along the 2024 path?

“The most important things I’ve learned?” said Walters. “Man, I mean, there’s a lot. A lot I’ve learned. We could be sitting up here all day talking about it.”

Among the possible talking points:

• Firing OC Graham Harrell after four games

• Naming analyst Jason Simmons play-caller, then taking it away after one game

• Assuming play-calling duties despite never having coached on offense

• Overseeing an historic 66-7 loss to Notre Dame

“I think I’ve learned the importance of remaining poised and consistent to keep the locker room galvanized,” said Walters. “I’ve learned about the importance of having strong leadership on both sides of the ball in terms of coaches and staffs that put together plans.”

Walters had a lot to learn when he was hired in December 2022. He was 37 years old and never had been a head coach when he assumed command following a two-year run as defensive coordinator at Illinois. Cutting your teeth as a head coach in the Big Ten is difficult.

A tough schedule in 2024 has not helped Walters’ cause to build on his 4-8 debut in 2023. Purdue is playing one of the most difficult slates in the nation. The current AP Poll is littered with Purdue foes: Oregon is No. 1; Ohio State is No. 2; Penn State is No. 4; Indiana is No. 5; Notre Dame is No. 8. Add it up: No other team in the nation plays more Top 10 squads.

“I’ve learned the importance of getting off to a fast start, whether that’s the start of the season or the start of games and how much momentum plays a factor in games and in seasons when you’re dealing with 18 to 22 year olds.”

Fast starts have been an issue. Purdue has been outscored 76-10 in the first quarter, tallying seven points against Indiana State and three vs. Northwestern.

“But, yeah, there’s a long list of things that I’ve learned,” said Walters.

The learning has been painful at times, as Purdue is riding an eight-game losing streak and looks headed toward a 1-11 finish, the program’s first one-win season since 2013.

One area that has been a challenge for Walters: coaching the coaches.

“That’s a scenario where I need to do better,” fessed Walters. “Obviously you make a — when you make a decision to run a side of the ball after four games into your first year, it’s hard to coach the coaches because you’re game-planning and you’re involved that way, and then again, Year Two, four games in, make a change at coordinator, now it’s hard to see (the) big picture.

“That is what I’ve learned, is that in order to effectively do my job for the program, I have to remove myself from the inundated Xs and Os and coach the coaches and have my influence on the entire roster and be the head coach. I’m looking forward to that going into next year.”

Will there be a next year for Walters? That’s to be determined by Purdue, as Walters seemingly will continue to be evaluated down the stretch. First up is dealing with Penn State, which is a 28-point favorite. It is the sixth time the Boilermakers are a double-digit underdog this season.

“Elite defense, and they’re an elite program, elite team that is competing for a playoff berth,” said Walters. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Franklin and what he’s been able to do in his career. His teams always show up and play clean. He comes up with good ideas.

“They look like a Top-5 team when you turn on the tape.”

MORE: First look: Penn State | Three thoughts | First and 10