Ryan Walters’ time in Columbia has reportedly come to an end.

After six seasons with Missouri, the defensive coordinator is leaving Eli Drinkwitz’s program to join Bret Bielema’s Illinois program. Walters will fill the same role with Illinois.

News of Walters’ decision to leave Mizzou was first reported by John Brice of FootballScoop.

In addition to serving as Mizzou’s defensive coordinator, Walters also served as the team’s safeties coach each of the previous two seasons.

Walters previously served as defensive coordinator under Barry Odom and was a key part of Drinkwitz’s plan to retain several defensive coaches following his hire in Columbia. In addition to retaining Walters, Drinkwitz kept secondary coach David Gibbs and defensive line coach Brick Haley.

Walters is a graduate of Colorado.