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Posted at 12:58 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2007

CFB: Miami fires defensive coordinator Walton

By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Sports Writer

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami defensive coordinator Tim Walton was fired by coach Randy Shannon after the Hurricanes allowed more than 300 points this season for the first time since 1984.

Shannon announced the firing today, one day after informing university officials of the decision. Shannon, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after the 2006 season, picked Walton to succeed him.

"This was a very difficult decision to make both personally and professionally," Shannon said in a statement released by the university. "It is my responsibility as head coach to evaluate all aspects of the football organization at the end of the season."

A call placed to Walton was not returned, and a request for comment sent to his university e-mail address was not answered.

Walton's job security was the subject of widespread speculation during the latter stages of the season, when Miami finished 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 1997.

The Hurricanes' defense — a longtime strength of the team — gave up 312 points this season, including 51 against Oklahoma and 48 in a shutout loss to Virginia in Miami's final home game at the Orange Bowl.

Walton came to Miami as a secondary coach in 2004, one season after helping LSU win the Bowl Championship Series title. He has also coached at Syracuse, Memphis and Bowling Green, and played at Ohio State.