Oregon Names Don Pellum Defensive Coordinator

Dec 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (44) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Case McCoy (6) during the first half at Alamo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

He has coached at Oregon for 23 years, so he knows his players and the system. He has worked his way up the ranks with the Ducks from Graduate Assistant, to Linebackers Coach, to working with Safeties and Defensive Lineman. The University of Oregon made the next logical step this morning when they officially announced Don Pellum as the new Defensive Coordinator. He is asked to follow some big shoes left from Nick Aliotti’s retirement following seasons in coaching after the Alamo Bowl, a game with the Ducks won 30-7.

"I am grateful to Coach Helfrich and the University of Oregon for the confidence they have bestowed upon me and am excited to add to the success this program has enjoyed.Oregon Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum on accepting his new position"

Pellum also brings quite the education resume to the position. He has worked with Defenses in Oregon and Willamette University throughout his career starting when he was a graduate assistant in 1985 with the Ducks. As Linebackers coach he transformed athletes like Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay into household names. His players have led the team in tackles in three of the past four seasons and Pellum will look to take that experience to the rest of the Oregon Defense in 2014.