PORTALES, NM — After more than a decade away from the Eastern New Mexico University football team, Mike Walton has returned as the program’s defensive coordinator. Walton is extremely familiar with the Lone Star Conference after a storied career as both a player and coach at ENMU.
“I am very excited about Mike coming home to lead our defense,” said Head Coach Kelley Lee. “He has extensive successful experience coordinating defense and a unique understanding of what drives our success here at ENMU. He will be immediately embraced by our players, coaching staff, community, and alumni.”
Walton’s last year at ENMU came in 2006, when he oversaw a defense which showed drastic improvement in points and rushing yards allowed. He left Portales to serve in various capacities with NCAA Division I programs at Sam Houston State and Stephen F Austin, in addition to three years as defensive coordinator at Angelo State. Regardless of location, Walton’s skillset allowed him to excel at every task he took on.
While at Sam Houston State, he served as recruiting coordinator, fundraising coordinator and special teams coordinator under current Tarleton State Head Coach, Todd Whitten. During his stint, the Bearkats were in the NCAA top ten in punting and punt returns, and led the Southland Conference in net punting and punt returns. Walton also coached SHSU’s cornerbacks.
At Angelo State, he worked for current Head Coach Will Wagner and inherited the LSC’s seventh-ranked defense and improved its production to third in the league in his first season. In his second season, the Rams led the league in total defense and ranked in the NCAA Division II top 30. In his third season, he had seven first-year starters in the lineup, including five sophomores. Under Walton’s guidance, the unit gelled and led the LSC in run defense, interceptions and third-down defense.
At Stephen F Austin, he served as special teams coordinator and safeties coach. Under Walton’s tutelage, the Jacks led the Southland in punt returns and had significant improvement in kickoff coverage.
Walton’s return to the Greyhound sideline brings him full circle. Walton was the starting middle linebacker for ENMU’s football team from 1996-99. He set an ENMU record with 515 tackles, with a record 155 stops in 1997. He was a senior when the Hounds tied for the LSC South title in 1999. He garnered 12 All-American honors over his career, along with three All-LSC selections. Walton was LSC South Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1998 and Greatest Greyhound in 1997, 1998 and 1999.As a coach, Walton also oversaw special teams and the secondary.
