LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech defensive coordinator James Willis is leaving after one season.
A source told ESPN.com's Joe Schad that Willis' abrupt departure is related to discussions with Florida about a possible staff position under new head coach Will Muschamp.
Texas Tech said Sunday that Willis will not coach in the Ticket City Bowl against Northwestern on New Year's Day.
Willis joined the Red Raiders after Tommy Tuberville was hired as head coach. Willis was an assistant to Tuberville at Auburn. He spent the 2009 season as associate head coach at Alabama. It was his first season as a defensive coordinator with Texas Tech.
Texas Tech finished 116th out of 120 teams in total defense, allowing 463 yards per game.
Information from The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Joe Schad was used in this report.