The Changing Face of Loyalty in CFB Coaching

David Marsh Editorials

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 …

Future Pondering: Would YOU Take Mark Helfrich BACK as an Offensive Coordinator?

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Editorials

Is Mr. FishDuck out of his mind? Wasn’t it he who stated that Mark Helfrich deserved be fired two days before he was? Why would anyone want to bring back a proven non-performer? Because he might just be one of the best offensive minds in college football. Let’s clear the air; I am delighted with the hiring of Joe Moorhead …

What if Oregon had Hired Aliotti Instead of Helfrich?

Garrett Sharp-Craig Editorials

In January 2013, following Chip Kelly‘s departure to the NFL, Oregon elected to do what they had done for decades by hiring offensive coordinator, Mark Helfrich as head coach. Nevertheless, an interesting question lingers: What if the Ducks had instead selected defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti as the lead man? I think most are happy with the Ducks’ current state, but would …

Cristobal Is Steadying the Ship at Oregon

Notalot Editorials

On the afternoon of February 6th, Oregon held its traditional Signing Day press conference during which coach Mario Cristobal commented on the Ducks’ 2019 signing class and offered a glimpse into the overall status and health of the football program. Cristobal didn’t unveil anything new or revolutionary at the presser, but one thing did stand out. There was a marked …

The Revenge of Mark Helfrich

Brian Libby Editorials

Remember the Chicago Bears? They’re that team that’s been to the playoffs once in the last decade, right? You know, the guys who haven’t had a Pro Bowl quarterback since Jim McMahon in 1985? Well, this year you can also call the Chicago Bears one of the most improved teams in the NFL. In particular, you may notice a host …

Rob Mullens: Better Lucky Than Good

Mitchel Simantel Editorials

What does “It’s better to be lucky than good” mean? And how does this statement apply to Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens? In 2016 Mullens parted ways with Mark Helfrich after two disappointing seasons, and embarked on Oregon’s first true head football coaching search in decades. He eventually found Willie Taggart, and whether Taggart sank or swam Mullens (and his …

Abbie Reveals the “GODFATHER” of Oregon Football

Abbie -The FishDuck.com Mascot Editorials

The things I overhear while chewing on a new toy from Mr. FishDuck! I shared with you the blustering in our household in another article, and recently I had to pause from licking to consider that someone was called the Godfather of Oregon football. I had to listen closer, as football “tall tales” are legendary at the Fischer residence, and …

Oregon Recruiting, Pac-12 Notes and Coug-It, USA!

Darren Perkins Editorials

In the aftermath of signing day, as we try to make sense of it all, I compiled a chart (see below) covering the past twelve years of Oregon recruiting to help put things in perspective—from the end of the Mike Bellotti era to the beginning of the Mario Cristobal regime. At first glance, it’s clear that things took a dip …

Mark Helfrich: “The NFL BLOCKBUSTER SLEEPER Hire of the Year”

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Editorials

I know you read that title and are now thinking, “oh brother,” but bear with me and try to examine this with new eyes as we contemplate the hiring of Mark Helfrich as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach of the Chicago Bears. I truly believe he will be the Blockbuster Sleeper hire of the NFL this year, and will fare better …