With NCAA sanctions looming and the sudden loss of Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly, it’s not clear what condition the team has been left, but what is clear is that its been left to a very capable and competent man.
On Sunday afternoon, Athletic Director Rob Mullens named 39-year old Mark Helfrich the 32nd Head Coach for the Oregon Ducks.
An Oregon native, born in Medford, Helfrich was recruited from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, Oregon where he played under Kent Wigle, the 2nd most winning coach in Oregon prep football history.
Helfrich Quarterbacked Southern Oregon University for 4 years setting numerous offensive records, before graduating and starting his coaching career in 1996.
With an impressive resume consisting of coaching stints as Quarterbacks Coach, and Offensive Coordinator spots at Boise State, Arizona State, Colorado, and even a player/coaching job in the European League, Athletic Director Mullens is confident in his choice,
“The energy from the student athletes and the clarity about who we are and where we’re going just solidifies that this is the exact right decision today.”
A big concern in all this has been the effect Kelly’s absence will have on recruiting. But Coach Helfrich feels confident that players committed to The University of Oregon and not to a specific coach.
“They’re coming to Oregon to be an Oregon Duck- we’re 100% the same philosophically and everything that we’re about.”
Players and coaches alike are confident that the program and philosophy will remain the same; the only thing changing is the man in charge.
“Win the day doesn’t change for us” said Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota.
We’re going to come back out on Monday, workout, and take it one day at a time.”
Helfrich and the Ducks agreed on a new 5-year contract that will pay him $9 million dollars. He made $310,833 last season as the Offensive Coordinator.
[buzzsprout episode=’73735′ player=’true’]
Reader Interactions