James Willis. The challenge of bringing the Texas Tech defense up to championship level was placed in the hands of James Willis as he was named the Red Raiders' defensive coordinator on Jan 14.Willis spent three seasons as an assistant under coach Tuberville in Auburn and last year with NCAA champion Alabama.s a collegiate player, Willis was a three-year starter at Auburn (1990-92). He recorded 344 career tackles and was a member of the 1990 Peach Bowl team. Willis was a first team All-SEC selection in 1992 and was the SEC Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 1990.