Oregon Ducks Fire Head Coach Mark Helfrich Following 4-8 Season

Mark Helfrich has been fired from the University of Oregon.

On Sunday, Mark Helfrich faced the media with poise and composure not knowing his fate as the Oregon Ducks Head Coach. Tuesday he was called back to Eugene after recruiting on Monday in California. He was informed he was fired by Athletic Director Rob Mullens according to Comcast Sportsnet Northwest.

Mark Helfrich is the first Head Coach fired from the University of Oregon since 1976. He had a ‘nice guy’ persona but his inability to recruit a Quarterback after he brought the best QB in Oregon History in Marcus Mariota led to his demise. Helfrich with with the Oregon Ducks since 2009 when he was brought on board as Offensive Coordinator to then Head Coach Chip Kelly.

"It is with respect and disappointment that we receive this decision. Plain and simple – we didn’t win enough games this season.Mark Helfrich in a release from the University of Oregon"

The lack of Defense in 2016 did also not help his cause. In the off season Brady Hoke came to the Oregon Ducks to install a new 4-3 Defense, but from the start the Rush Defense did not perform up to par and injuries riddled the scheme the entire season. Offensively the Oregon Ducks missed a few steps as well.

Dakota Prukop started the season which led to losses against Nebraska and Colorado which were both winnable games. Freshman Justin Herbert took over midway through the year and did an admirable job but it was not enough to save Helfrich’s job. He will be paid just over $11 million to leave the U of O.

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The coaching search will be ongoing. No replacement has yet been named. Helfrich was 37-16 in his four seasons and 4-8 in the 2016 season with the Oregon Ducks.