The Oregon Ducks have gone from a National Championship hopeful to a team making changes before November. Following Saturday's loss to Illinois, the Ducks are just 4-3, and the offense has been the biggest issue keeping this team from reaching its potential. The defense has done enough in the losses to UCLA and Illinois to win the game, but the offense let them down.
For its struggles, the blame has landed on 1st-year offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, who hasn't been nearly good enough in replacing Will Stein. On Sunday Morning, Dan Lanning pointed the finger at Drew Mehringer as well, firing the offensive coordinator.
Oregon Relieves Offensive Coordinator Mehringer of Duties https://t.co/a4ahKGl4QV
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) October 25, 2026
Dan Lanning will now have a search on his hands as Oregon will need to hire an offensive coordinator when the season ends. The interim offensive coordinator could be good enough the rest of the way that it could make the decision easy on Lanning. While an internal option may present itself, Oregon can't let the habit of hiring from within get in the way of seeking the best candidate.
Chip Kelly will be a popular name, but will he get a serious look?
Most Oregon fans will look at every possible candidate and point to Chip Kelly as a potential name to watch. The reasons for Chip Kelly will make a ton of sense, and he'll be a popular name among the fans, as he's coached in Eugene before, and everyone's already seen the offensive success that his teams have.
This season, Chip Kelly's offense at Northwestern has helped the Wildcats jump out to a 6-1 start, with a trip to Eugene next on the schedule. Northwestern's rushing offense ranks 23rd in the country, while their 34.7 points per game ranks 35th nationally. Northwestern is far from the most talented program in the Big Ten, yet Kelly has found a way to out scheme his opponents this season.
The biggest question will be if Dan Lanning takes him seriously as a candidate, and if Chip Kelly would be open to returning to Eugene. Lanning has shown a stubbornness and belief in his staff with the decision to consistently promote from within. Add in the pressure that could come from bringing Chip Kelly onto the staff, and it's easy to see why he may pass on the decision.
If Oregon wants to win a National Championship, Chip Kelly should be at or near the top of that list, even if you take away his experience in Eugene. Kelly just helped Ryan Day get over the hump at Ohio State as his offensive coordinator, and while he may not be head coach material, it's clear he can still call offenses at an elite level.
Ryan Day wasn't afraid to bring in a coordinator with Kelly's status, and it helped him finally win a National Championship. Dan Lanning is in a similar place to where Day was at that point in his career, and nailing this hire may determine whether he wins a championship, or eventually ends up looking for a new job.
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