Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti Will Retire After Alamo Bowl

Sept. 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; A Oregon Ducks player holds up his helmet before a game against the Washington State Cougars at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

In what was supposed to be the press conference to talk about the game on a Friday before the Valero Alamo Bowl Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti dropped a bombshell. He is retiring after 24 years(17 with the Ducks) at the position at the conclusion of the game against the Texas Longhorns. Aliotti has been the mastermind for some of the most successful Oregon Defensive teams in Pac 12 history, including teams that led the Pac 12 Conference in pass defense for three seasons in 2000, 2005, and 2006. He leaves behind a fairly easy seat to fill with the success from even this season.

"After coaching for 38 years, it is time for a new chapter in my life and Kathryn’s. Coaching is all I’ve ever known but it has been a labor of love and a fantastic ride.Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti on retiring after the Alamo Bowl"

Video – via OregonLive.com

Aside from Mack Brown’s retirement announcement post bowl this adds to the intrigue of the game on Monday night knowing that current players will be giving it all for their coach for the last time, in both circumstances. Several names will likely come up in the next weeks as the Ducks hope to fill the position. Oregon will look toward an old friend in Justin Wilcox and possibly even former USC Interim Coach Ed Orgeron. After the bowl game the offseason will be interesting Duck Fans with a new coach and of course recruits. Stay tuned.

Oregon and Texas take to the field on Monday Night(December 30th) at 3:45pm PT on ESPN.