The Oregon Ducks have started the season with a disappointing 4-3 record, and with the team failing to meet expectations, it was only a matter of time before a change was made. On Sunday Morning, Dan Lanning made the move everyone was calling for, firing Offensive Coordinator Drew Mehringer. Lanning has yet to announce an interim offensive coordinator, but promoting an internal candidate full-time seems unlikely.
After failing with a move to elevate from within, Dan Lanning is likely going to have to look outside the program to secure an elite playcaller. When the offseason kicks off, Dan Lanning could be looking at 3 coaches who started the season as head coaches to lead his offense.
3 head coaches who could become Dan Lanning's next offensive coordinator
Mike Norvell - Florida State
Somehow, Mike Norvell is still employed by Florida State, likely because of how hefty his buyout is, but if this season continues to go south, the Seminoles may be forced to make the move. Given how the past few seasons have gone, Norvell likely won't get a head coaching gig right away, and becoming an offensive coordinator may be the best path toward rehabilitating his career. Dan Lanning and Norvell already have experience together, as Lanning was on his Memphis staff, which could make the pitch easy.
Norvell has had success developing quarterbacks, even if his recent swings at the position haven't worked out well. With Oregon's resources, Norvell would have a far more talented roster than he's had in recent seasons, and with top tier talent, he could return to being one of the best offensive minds in the sport.
Mike Locksley - Maryland
The Power 4 coaching carousel kicked off with Maryland firing Mike Locksley, and it seems pretty clear he's looking to return to being a coordinator. While Locksley struggled to build an underfunded school into a winner, he's had successful stretches and has proven to be one of the best recruiters in the Country. Like with Norvell, there's a relationship there, as the duo spent time together at Alabama under Nick Saban.
Locksley brings plenty of experience as a playcaller, and taking a step back from the duties of being a head coach could bring the best out of him. Given that Lanning knows what he's getting, and that Locksley has proven to be a great coordinator, he could end up being the most likely choice this offseason.
Shane Steichen - Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have already fired General Manager Chris Ballard, and with the team continuing to trend in the wrong direction, the head coach could be next. Shane Steichen has some college coaching experience, and it may come down to whether he gets an NFL coordinator gig right away. Teams like Ohio State have turned to the NFL for their coordinators, and Steichen could dominate at the college level.
Shane Steichen has had up-and-down success developing quarterbacks, as he was key in developing Jalen Hurts, while he's tried to get the most out of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as a head coach. As a playcaller, Steichen has been one of the best in the NFL, and with Oregon's constant elite talent level, he could ensure the Ducks get the most out of these elite recruits.
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