Oregon Ducks Appoint New Offensive Coordinator: Who’s the Pick?
The Oregon Ducks are facing another coaching transition as head coach Dan Lanning seeks a new offensive coordinator. Will Stein, who served in this role, has accepted the position of head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, returning to his home state. Stein made a significant impact during his tenure, notably guiding quarterbacks Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel to Heisman Trophy finalist nominations.
This season, the Ducks’ offense thrived under Stein, maintaining high performance despite injuries among key players. As Lanning looks to continue this success, he has a list of potential candidates to replace Stein. Below are some early names to consider.
Potential Candidates for Oregon Ducks Offensive Coordinator
- Ra’Shaad Samples (RB Coach, Oregon Ducks) – A young, promising coach known for his potential future as a head coach. Though he has not called plays, Lanning values his contributions to the team.
- Kirby Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Missouri) – Has a background in developing talents like Brady Cook and is recognized for his aggressive coaching style and strong recruiting abilities.
- Buster Faulkner (Offensive Coordinator, Georgia Tech) – Known for his success at Georgia Tech, where he played a crucial role in achieving the 31st scoring and 20th total offense in the nation, and has previous ties to Lanning from their Georgia days.
- Mack Leftwich (Offensive Coordinator, Texas Tech) – Has built one of the leading offenses in the country, ranking 7th in total offense and 5th in scoring. He is recognized for his quarterback development skills.
- Jordan Davis (Offensive Coordinator, North Texas) – Led his team to the number one total and scoring offense in the nation. With the potential transition due to his head coach moving to Oklahoma State, Davis may be exploring new opportunities.
- Drew Mehringer (Co-Offensive Coordinator, Oregon Ducks) – With experience as an offensive coordinator, Mehringer has been part of the Ducks’ growth since Lanning’s arrival in 2021 and could be a trusted in-house option.
- Jake Spavital (Offensive Coordinator, Baylor) – Known for his effective play-calling and quarterback development, he brings a wealth of experience to the table, though he is slightly older than Lanning’s usual hires.
- Jerry Neuheisel (Offensive Coordinator, UCLA) – Gained recognition this season for revitalizing UCLA’s offense as an interim coach and is seen as a rising figure in college football.
As the Ducks prepare for this pivotal change, Lanning has consistently demonstrated success in his hiring practices. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will ultimately fill the offensive coordinator role and help maintain the program’s competitive edge.