I have been pretty disappointed recently with the decisions and intentions of former Oregon football players, and their disproportionate impact on the Oregon Athletic program. I am not just referring to the bizarre letter to AD Rob Mullens, although it is a good example. As far as I’m concerned, the former players are 0-2 with their influence recently, and they …
We are very lucky to have former Offensive Coordinator Joe Moorhead return to coach the Oregon Offense in the 2021 Alamo Bowl. Considering what I imagine he has been through, it is very gracious on his part. Yet I feel there are other elements behind this decision, and why it feeds into my theory of why the freshmen quarterbacks will …
Loyalty for aspiring top-tier programs is dead in College Football. The desire for loyalty is commendable and brings stability to both a program and a fan base, but if the goal of a program is to win a National Championship, then loyalty shouldn’t be a factor. This doesn’t mean a school shouldn’t try to lock down its coach for as …
Kirby Smart is one of the best coaches in college football. He not only understands that championship programs are built by acquiring elite talent, but he also recruits better than just about anybody in the country, even rivaling Nick Saban. As a defensive mind, he’s second to none. His defenses are improving by the year, while just about every other …
The thoughts, opinions, and hot takes of so many all over the internet over the past three days have probably left most die-hard Oregon Ducks fans’ heads spinning. I’ve spent the last 72 hours or so jotting down enough ideas on the Dan Lanning hire, the Justin Wilcox turn down, and the letter from 14 ex-players to do a dozen …
Coach Cristobal always said that when a coach leaves, it gives him an opportunity to “upgrade” at that coaching position. My question to all my FishDuck Friends is, “did Athletic Director Rob Mullens make an upgrade hire of Dan Lanning replacing Mario Cristobal, or not?” It is a fair question, and makes me wonder about what the odds are that …
The last 72 hours were absolute bedlam, but at least Oregon has a new football coach. Atlanta Journal Constitution sports writer Chip Towers‘ broke the bombshell story on Friday, which has since been confirmed by multiple outlets: Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Dan Lanning will be the next head coach of Oregon football. The official UO announcement is expected Monday. Before it …
We actually have two discussion points, my FishDuck friends, as I ponder out loud about (1) might it be best to have a one-year interim football coach for the Ducks, and (2) who might that person be? Tons of points to consider in both directions, and of course I have a candidate who would be perfect for the job as …
College football is more complicated than ever, especially when it comes to recruiting and the transfer portal. The transfer portal has been a boon for players looking to better their chances of seeing the field and, in some cases, finding a school that is simply a better fit for them and their education. With each passing year, more players are …
The beginning of the month was looking good for the Ducks. With their win over Oregon State in late November, the Ducks were sitting in the No. 10 spot. Unfortunately, this was short-lived as a 38-7 loss to Utah now sees the Ducks out of the top 10! Now in the No. 14 spot, the Ducks have still had an …
Regardless of how head coach Mario Cristobal made his exit from Oregon, the entrance he made we cannot forget. Recruiting some of the most talented players in team history will create monumental waves rippling far past 2021, and continue to contribute to a team culture that creates expectation of great skill entering the program for years to come. Now, the …
COACH: “Son, this is your fifth year in the program.” STUDENT ATHLETE: “Spot on Coach. Gimme five, my man.” COACH: “Give you five? What, as-a-once-upon-a-time, a 5-Star recruit, have you given me or this team? I can’t figure out whether you are lacking in intelligence, or are you simply apathetic?” STUDENT ATHLETE : “Coach, I don’t know, and I don’t …
