Following the departure of Junior Adams, Oregon's former co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, the Ducks had a vacancy within their staff. Now, head coach Dan Lanning and his team are bringing in former Syracuse WR coach Ross Douglas to fill the role.
Douglas, who spent just one season with the Syracuse Orange, was previously on the New England Patriots' staff in the NFL. He spent three seasons with New England (2021-23) in various roles: defensive quality control coach, assistant wide receivers coach, and the official wide receivers coach in 2023.
Oregon's new coach's career began at his alma mater, with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, in 2018 after playing two seasons for its football team. Douglas' collegiate career began with the Michigan Wolverines in 2013 before he transferred to Rutgers in 2016.
Oregon is expected to hire Syracuse’s Ross Douglas as its new wide receivers coach, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 16, 2025
Rising star coach who helped Syracuse rank No. 1 nationally in passing offense in 2024. Previously was a wide receivers coach with the New England Patriots.… pic.twitter.com/JYz7C8ZDeT
Douglas is filling some big shoes as he steps into the job that was previously held by Adams, a beloved character within the Oregon football program. However, Douglas is reportedly just as beloved and respected by those with whom he crosses paths.
"He's a tremendous coach," said Neil Adler, our Syracuse Orange expert. "As far as I can tell, probably the most respected coach on the 'Cuse staff, Other than HC Brown and maybe Jeff Nixon."
Beyond the loss of Adams from the staff, Lanning and the Ducks have done a remarkable job at maintaining their program throughout the offseason. Earlier this winter, Ra'shaad Samples turned down the running backs coach position with the Dallas Cowboys to stay in Eugene.
Oregon will kick off its 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 against the Montana State Bobcats as the Ducks look to improve upon their success from 2024.