Darrin Walls joined the Great Danes ahead of the 2021 season and currently serves as the team’s Co-Defensive Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach.
As a key voice on the defensive side of the ball, Walls helped the Great Dane defense enjoy a historic season in 2023, en route to the team’s first-ever NCAA FCS National Semifinal appearance and first ever CAA title. The UAlbany defense paced the entire country in rushing defense, allowing an FCS low of 87.6 yards per game and just 11 rushing touchdowns. In the CAA, the Great Danes allowed the fewest yards per play (4.9), the third-fewest yards per game (322.5), and the third-fewest touchdowns (33). Tight coverage in Walls’ secondary allowed the defensive line to thrive, finishing with 50 sacks on the year. The secondary itself had a strong season, picking up 17 interceptions over 15 games. All-American Amir Hall led the group with five interceptions, finishing in a tie for the fourth most in the entire FCS.
Before joining UAlbany, Walls played six seasons in the NFL as a cornerback. We was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2011 after playing college football at Notre Dame.
In 2011, Walls signed with the New York Jets. He was activated from the practice squad on November 22, and made his Jets debut that evening during a nationally-televised Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. He played in six games that season, mostly on special teams, and made his first career start in the finale against Buffalo. A full-time starter at right cornerback in 2014, Walls led the Jets with 12 passes defended and co-led the team with two interceptions. Following the 2015 season, Walls signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions in 2016 before transitioning to coaching.
Walls graduated from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburg, Pa., where he also served as the Defensive Coordinator in 2017.
