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Oregon Football: Ducks Move Forward With Coaching Search, Bowl Preparation

By Justin Phillips

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - DECEMBER 20: Coach Mario Cristobal of the Florida International University Panthers directs play against the Marshall Thundering Herd December 20, 2011 in the Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - DECEMBER 20: Coach Mario Cristobal of the Florida International University Panthers directs play against the Marshall Thundering Herd December 20, 2011 in the Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /
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Oregon Football has leadership in place, despite the loss of Willie Taggart to Florida State.

Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens expressed his disappointment on Tuesday over the quick departure of Willie Taggart. The former Oregon Football Coach was named Head Coach at Florida State on Wednesday

"We sat down a year ago. We made a commitment to him and he made a commitment to us. We did everything to maintain our commitment and I’m disappointed.Rob Mullens on the Departure of Willie Taggart"

Mullens named Offensive Line Coach Mario Cristobal the Interim Head Coach through at least the Las Vegas Bowl on December 16th. Following the bowl game, decisions will be made. It would be in the Oregon Athletic Director’s best interest to do what he can to keep the Coaching Staff intact. As it stands, Cristobal and Leavitt are the likely candidates to be internal hires for Head Coach – if it goes that far.

Taggart was a brilliant recruiter. He had the number one recruiting class in line for 2018 to come to Eugene. He hosted the first Recruiting event dubbed Saturday Night Live over the summer, bringing in talent from across the country. He was an innovator off the field, but on the field his play calling lacked focus. Oregon had early season issues after Halftime, and there was no answer for the injury to Justin Herbert, but Braxton Burmeister did his best given the situation.

Mullens will begin a National Search for a Head Coach immediately. Kevin Sumlin should be on that list. I am also hearing Justin Wilcox and Mike Leach being mentioned. Wilcox is an ‘Oregon guy’ and could provide a stability factor. Oregon cannot afford to have another one and done with the Football Program. Of course, these are not the only names.

Next: Considering The Oregon Football Head Coach Options

Oregon prepares for the Las Vegas Bowl while working on putting Willie Taggart behind them and looking ahead. It won’t be easy, but the page has turned.

Quotes obtained firsthand during Rob Mullens Tuesday Press Conference.

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