Oregon Ducks Football Seeks New Defensive Coordinator, Don Pellum Remains On Staff

On Monday, Head Coach Mark Helfrich announced several changes to the Oregon Ducks Coaching Staff moving forward including the departure of Linebackers Coach Erik Chinader and a move for Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum.

Following a season where the Oregon Ducks Defense was scrutinized by the media and fans throughout Oregon and the rest of the Country, Head Coach Mark Helfrich did something about it on Monday. As one of the first orders of business for 2016 it was announced that the University of Oregon will be looking for a new Defensive Coordinator.

Don Pellum, who as been with Oregon the better part of two decades will remain on staff and shift his duties to Linebackers Coach. It was also announced that current Linebackers Coach Eric Chinader is leaving the program according to GoDucks.com. His destination is not known. A National search for a new Defensive Coordinator will begin immediately for Helfrich and the Oregon Ducks. Pellum had two years in the position, but the problems were not all his fault.

From young players who needed to ‘grow’ into their respective roles, to injuries, to in some cases his decision making, Pellum had a tough run as a first year Defensive Coordinator finishing 116th in Total Defense with Oregon State finishing ahead of them at 115. The Oregon Ducks Defense finished the season dead last in the Pac-12 on the category. If it was not for Vernon Adams to lead the Offense, the Alamo Bowl probably would not have been the destination for bowl season.

"Don is a great man who has helped shape the culture and growth of Oregon Football in several different capacities for nearly 30 years. He’s committed, as we all are, to being part of the solution to improve the end results on the field.Mark Helfrich on retaining Don Pellum on the Oregon Coaching Staff"

The Oregon Ducks will begin a search for a new Defensive Coordinator immediately and push the reset button on 2015.

Next: Bralon Addison Declares For NFL Draft

So far 2016 is beginning far better with this announcement and the fact that today was Transfer Dakota Prukop’s first day on campus.