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Could Oregon Ducks Tap Former Player Mike Nolan For Defensive Coordinator?

By Justin Phillips

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan reacts during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan reacts during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Oregon Player Mike Nolan, now with a respectable NFL Career as Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach left his post with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday.

Earlier this week the Oregon Ducks Offense was on the verge of picking up Washington State Assistant Coach David Yost to help with Quarterbacks. The big hole in the Oregon Coaching Lineup still remains the Defensive Coordinator position and with two of the possible three candidates now out of the picture with Peter Sirmon and Clancy Pendergast making their respective move away from Mark Helfrich and Company a new name has added intrigue on Tuesday.

Mike Nolan, a former player and assistant with the Oregon Ducks in the late 70’s and early 80’s left his position with the San Diego Chargers as Linebackers Coach according to ESPN. Nolan was in the position for only a year but helped to solidify the position as the 2015 season went on. The possibility of Nolan returning to Oregon is certainly a better option than bringing in Justin Wilcox to fill the void, or perhaps even Brady Hoke. Nolan has National Football League experience which can be used as a huge recruiting tool for the Oregon Ducks.

Nolan was also Head Coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2005-2009 and chose Alex Smith as his Quarterback over Aaron Rodgers(he’s a Defensive guy, remember). He was Defensive Coordinator for seven NFL teams throughout his career and has a wealth of knowledge to bring back to the College Level. Will Oregon pull out all the stops to sign Nolan? He is the biggest name to come their way in the offseason and in leaving San Diego when he did, the timing oddly fits for him to at least consider a move back to Eugene.

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Mike Nolan’s last Defensive Coordinator position was with the Atlanta Falcons from 2012-2014. In his first season the Falcons started the season 8-0 and made the playoffs losing to Seattle in the Divisional round 30-28.

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