1Funduck

I fully understand 'Opting Out'. And, I agree whole heartedly. The only reason these kids would opt out us because they are slated to be drafted in their dream job. A simple ankle sprain could drop a player down the pecking board. Thats real money with signing bonuses. Would any one of us risk $1 million or more with only 4 months to ink that deal? Not one of us would. These kids are 22 hears old and get one shot to be drafted. Just One Shot. NFL, Not For Long is NOT a team sport. They will cut you in a second. No loyalty. We are fans, we aren't going anywhere. For the kids come draft day, its a business. Its best we look at it like that. After all, we wouldn't leave Millions on the table if we have lived hand to mouth our entire life.

I'm left wondering: Was JH covering his tail feather? I truly don't know.

My bad. JH got railed. Conzano leaks this letter and apparently gets taken out of context. Not what JH meant from what I could tell.

Really? Joey, Marcus, and the rest if the fellas; we all love you no matter what. But, while you were enjoying your time as a star, we had already put in our time through the Journey of mediocrity. I love Oregon, No ifs ands or buts. Just once I would like to have the NC trophy propped up in the halls of Trophy's. Alabama doesn't care where the great coaching staff comes from. NC's? I can't count that high. Oregon players come from all over the States. How many come from Oregon? Not many. Marcus? Hawaii. Jonathan Stewart? Washington. Kavon Thibeddoux? California. Haloti Ngata? Utah. So, when you say within the program, what is really meant is that you can come from anywhere but you have to play here to Coach here? I'm sorry Joey, your squad was a diamond in the rough and doesn't come around very often to even sniff at. Once every 10 years if we are fortunate enough. And....it has Never come home to the Hall that matters most. So, no Joey, I don't agree with you. We have never had a coaching staff that was NC caliber. A splash in the pan doesn't mean it was NC caliber. Chipper was the closest. But, he lacked defense to make a true fight of it. But, thank you, Joey Heisman. Your presence and play on the field had me believing we would win every single game no matter what. A truly great time to be a fan.

That this is even a question is proof positive that Lanning is comparable at the least.

First it was Lincoln Riley to USC. Nobody, and I mean Nobody saw that coming. That move sent shockwaves through CFB. Oklahoma was stunned that they lost their HC. After all, isn't OU a Big Time Destination job? It has nearly all the boxes checked. Recruits want to go there and OU consistently has a top tiered recruiting class. They have dominated their conference for years. They play in one of the most storied rivalry's in CFB. They are on their way to the vaunted SEC. What's not to like? It IS SC. Well, there's that. It's an hour's drive to the warm beaches of Southern California, family should love that. It's the Entertainment capital of the world. Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Movie Stars, eclectic eateries representing the entire world??!!! And, did I mention...It's USC?! ...then, in seeming disarray, Oregon looks like a sitting duck as we all think it is waddling through a hiring process. This board seemed to be resigned to a retread and a still unproven in current HC's. Both with supremely unattractive records over the last 3 years. Why were they being considered again? Loyalty? Really? They won't leave 'us' in 3-4 years? Really? Our desire for continuity within the Coaching halls is more important than winning? Surely we can win with loyalty. That was the sentiment by many posters. ....and yet? Rob Mullens goes out, amongst all the confusion, and with one of the largest Shoe Boxes of money at his disposal, and hires an up and coming Defensive Coordinator from Georgia. Georgia you say? Yeah, Georgia. Top of the heap in defense in the SEC. For three years running, a stellar resume in defense that should make the entire CFB world turn an eye to Oregon and start to admiringly wonder, 'how long before Oregon comes rumbling into the playoffs?' That leaves me wondering, why Oregon? Maybe I have Green and Yellow glasses on, but I believe Oregon is a destination school. First off, the cupboard is NOT bare. It's loaded! We have a full complement of 4* athletes. The fan base is wildly supportive. The facilities are second to none. Even NFL teams drool of Oregon's facilities. Oregon has consistently had a top tier team in the PAC for 20 years. A down year here or there, but more times than not, Oregon has been fighting at the top. And we have the man behind the 'Swoosh' thats painted on the Shoe Box mentioned earlier. There are few people in this world that have more pull with their name than Uncle Phil. And, did I mention, Oregon is an incredibly beautiful state? That's not a reason to take a HC job, but it is icing on the cake. Oregon is respected through out the CFB world. It's everyones little brother. It has the genetics, but is always playing second fiddle when it comes to the Natty. Every so often, Oregon rises up and puts a good whoop'n on his Big brother, OU, tOSU, FSU. But, I believe, Oregon has been growing up right before our eyes. It's showed with the interior recruits that have been coming to town. It shows with top ten players at their position all over the field. Now, it's time to teach little brother how to win National Championships. We all love Flashy Offenses, but we all know that Defenses are what win games after Jan 1. If you win games in January, you have been winning all year long. Georgia had no problem putting up points. But, their bread and butter was defense. And, Oregon got that Defensive minded Coach. Rob Mullens should be congratulated. He gets under the burning microscope every 3-4 years. Hiring MC was an unknown but it sure worked well. Lanning is NOT an unknown. His coaching chops have already been proven in the toughest conference swarming with NFL players. If people can't see this as a Grand Slam, well then, maybe their glasses are too Green and Yellow. USC just let out a gasp. Yeah, that USC that just hired Lincoln Riley. Washington fans are going to have a bad, wet winter. UCLA isn't sure what to think. And the Mighty Beavs? They aren't going anywhere. And they aren't scared either. They will over achieve with underwhelming players. They have been resigned to their role. Their fans want loyalty in a HC. Someone who won't leave at the drop of the hat. Do you get the sense that OSU will play for Conference Championships on a regular basis? A slugger's chance to position itself for the Playoffs? Me neither. Why? Because OSU won't make the splash hire. Oregon will. Oregon just landed a Top Tier talent. I'm ecstatic! We all should be.

Not worried about Coordinators at this point. Lanning has some time to get the right guys. Getting Lanning was the Key. Now the recruits will start to flow in.

"Lanning is widely known as a relentless recruiter with connections all over the country." "Lanning's mindset is to punch his opponent in the teeth and then kick those teeth in after he gets done." Oregon hires Dan Lanning: Ducks Embrace Defensive Mindset in Tapping Georgia Assistant as Next Coach By Barrett Sallee of CBS Sports

Who else? AJT says its a deal, Conzano says 'Not so fast'. Who do you believe? I'm left pondering this choice for a HC as I believe that is the choice Uncle Phil wants. While 'Just Do It' is denying through Conzano that a deal has been inked, I find it ponderous that the Atlanta Journal is reporting that it's done and now its a timing thing. Georgia is in a NC run. There is NOT one school that wouldn't let the Coaching staff finish this run before plucking them. It would be immoral. A quiet inking with start dates that corelate to the day after the NC game sounds about right. Or at least something along those lines. Let the coach finish his run then he's done. What do I know? No more than anyone else. But, Lanning is the man that we should all want. He is the 'Splash' hire. Just because his name isn't posted with dry ink doesn't mean it isn't happening. I give Conzano the same credence as AJT. Both should be in the know. I believe Conzano will protect his source and the process as he most likely has the inside scoop with the powers that be. But, doesn't that hold true for AJT as well? Georgia boosters are no slouch either. This seems to me to be there is nothing to see here before Uncle Phil has his guy with dry ink. It's respect for the process and the guy who has the biggest purse to pursue the Stars.

Down to 12 commits. WOW! Thats a full fledged free fall. Just stunning!! Expected to some degree, but this is stunning.

The Roster has been full of 3* and lower for decades. With this kind of roster, we have been to the Natty, or at least should have been, 3 times. You bring up a good point about Dye. He barely cracked the top 1000 players in rank coming into college. Yeah, barely top 1000. McKinley as well. So, the ability to find diamonds in the rough happens every year. Patrick Chung was a 2*. But, name the National Champion teams over the last 20 years. How many have kids who are predominately 3* and lower to fill their roster? None of them. NC caliber teams are loaded with 4* and higher players. Top 10-15 for their position is a common theme. Having heart isn't limited to 3* and below. I know you know that. But, my point is that 5* kids have the genetics, but they have the heart to be great. KT gave his all. His desire to be a game wrecker was proven on the field. He came from California. It's important to NOT impose our Fandom on the intent of these kids. We are loyal based on decisions made several years ago. Usually its because we grew up right around our school or we made a 'personal' decision to Major in a specific class to get us our 'Dream Job'. If you dreamed of being a structural engineer, you aren't a Duck, you are a Beaver. This valley is littered with kids whose dream school is Oregon. They would give their heart and soul to be here. They wouldn't even sleep if the coach requested as such. They bleed Green and Yellow. But, they aren't good enough. Which brings me to the Fans. If we want a National Championship Trophy to parade next to a Heisman Trophy, then you better have the 'Dudes' on the roster. And, that is predominately and consistently a top 10 class full of 4 and 5* players.

I just V'urped

I wouldn't expect a long term contract. I also wouldn't expect a termination clause that wasn't 100% favorable to Oregon. Make no mistake, Oregon is looking for the splash hire. They may have reached into a shallow bowl with little in the pot this year, but every year there is a Large Pot to go fishing in. Maybe this next time they will be the first hand in the Pot and pull out the Big Fish.

Further, Mullens won't stop looking for a Coach either, even if CK comes to town. Every single year there is Monster names that get hired. Shocking moves are the story of todays CFB.

This is NOT a splash hire if CK comes back to Eugene. The kids wont think it is. The defections won't stop. But, his offense is undeniable. The #7 QB in the nation taking the reigns next year fully built for the spread. What has been mentioned ad nauseum is that CK can't recruit top 10 classes. Well, he has, basically 3 of them sitting in the stables. This year is to be determined, but he could bring it back up. Let's be clear, I don't view CK as a splash hire. No, seriously. I do believe that Oregon would be settling. Don't expect Oregon and CK to be married for long either if he does come back to the Valley. CK Will show up on the hot seat and never be off it. Anything less than 10 wins each year gets the roll-O-dex spinning. CK will get no learning curve and no room for error. Win now or there is the door. Don't misread me as a cynic or crotchety for that matter. This is Oregon's demands not 1 Fun Ducks. $8.5 million a year told me that.

Thats pretty arrogant to think that a HC would demote himself to coach at the arguably worst conference. Its Oregon, sure, but its not Alabama. Split HC's? What???!!! One HC. And no, neither one will come to a demoted position at Oregon.

"Today's kids want wide open make the defense defend the entire field style offense." That's the NFL as well.

I don't think so. MC was hired 3 days after Slick Willie left. Mullens wasn't slow then. But, that was lightening in a bottle. MC was the right guy at the right time and already on the 'Roster' so to speak. Only took 3 days.

I couldn't believe we were so embarrassed in Rice-Eccles Stadium. The next day I was left wondering if that was a perfect storm. Great teams don't submit to perfect storms. Neither do Great Coaches. Lose? Yes. But, get beat down? Nope. Then it happened again and in worse fashion. Now, with MC gone I am left pondering the observations and comments to friends throughout the year. Wonderful defense but soft in the middle. Built to compress in the red zone. Vanilla Offense..... just Vanilla. Built to smash mouth. Problem was that we have an average QB at best. He needed 3-5 seconds to run the offense. Utah did it in 2-3 seconds. The end result was stop the run by loading the box. I couldn't believe how many receivers were open with runways to the end zone that AB overthrew. Aaaaaallll year looooooong. I'm not a hater. It's just an observation and I believe a reasonable conclusion. AB didn't have it between the ears to be 'The Guy'. A baller, a Winner, someone who wills his team to victory. After 6 years, one would think any QB running a Big 5 program would have it locked down, even a transfer. After all, he had last year to learn it. And that brings me to the other half of my argument. MC, we will forever be grateful for what he has done. That's why it hurts so much and so many feel so betrayed. Oregon has N-E-V-E-R had this many 'Dudes' on the roster at the same time, NEVER! That's because MC recruits like a mad man. He is Top Tier in recruiting period. Who of us didn't feel like a Natty was on the table in the next year or so? Thank You MC for that. But, something was amiss this 2021 season. We all felt it. The offense was mediocre and the defense felt like it had slipped a bit. Sure, teams figured out the need to play away from KT. But, that should have made the defensive scheme easier. If an offense needs to double team a player, that leaves an offense more vulnerable on a consistent basis. We have NFL players on defense, so, that wasn't the problem. And our Offense line all of a sudden became Swiss Cheese? Hmmm. This brings me to a positive point. Thank you MC for your service and I am truly sincere with that complement. But, while top tier recruiting is Mandatory, there are an enormous amount of schools that win with average tiered players. Oregon did it with 0-3 star players. Patrick Chung? Chip Kelly did it with that formula as well and one could argue that Oregon went to the Natty twice under Chips Players? Nope, it was under Chips scheme. Chip was not a Top Tier recruiter. But, Chipper was a Top offensive schemer. His offense exploded the opposing teams game plan and those teams had to try and play catch up. By half time, it was too late. 49-10 seems to ring a bell. Now, did you ever feel MC had control of an offense, even remotely, capable of putting an opposing team on their heels? Me neither. Not even from day 1. And that was fine. We were winning, 'ScoreBoard', 'nuff said. I'm bringing this up because, while players are essential, Coaching is critical. We need an incredible recruiter, but an offensive minded HC. The next level for Oregon demands it. Yes, I believe that after taking my Green and Yellow glasses off, Oregon was NOT at the next level, at least not yet. I believe all the pieces are here. Facilities, they are World Class. Players, loaded with top ten talent in their position up and down the roster. Boosters willing to open their wallet for a 'Natty' Coach. Now we need the right Coach. Yes, this hurt. But the door that has opened could very well be the door to the PlayOffs. Thank you Mario Cristobol and to your family for making Oregon relevant again! Now let's go get a Coach that will bring home the Shiny Hardware!

Well said. Let's be honest. If you want kids from all over the U.S. Then a 'home town' boy doesn't matter. Home town doesn't matter. If you want a 'Natty', then you will go anywhere to get it. The common denominator is NOT loyalty. Duck fans are NOT loyal to coaches. Duck fans want a 'Natty'. We need to stop diluting ourselves in thinking that HC's need to be loyal. We aren't requesting a loyal Coach. We ARE requesting a NC. If you want a Loyal coach then winning a NC comes second to loyalty. Winning comes first. Otherwise, why play the game? Don't get me wrong, there is a right way to be a winning program, right Jimmy Lake? But, winning comes first.

Prime Time will NEVER remain loyal and will move on until he stops coaching and retires for good.

Some here are pretty tore up about MC leaving and are taking it personal. MC didn't lie. He said he had nothing to say until there was. You can take that any way you want. I personally take it that the ink wasn't dry so therefore it wasn't written in stone. Why in the world would you tell your boss you are looking at his competitor to go work for them? Not one person here would take that advantage away from the opportunity for your preferred job. It would be treasonous to your family. But, I understand the Hurt from us Duck fans. We feel this is a destination school. We want continuous continuity with coaching. Stay forever for Saban like Championships that decorate the MOE. Its business...plain and simple. And we are happy that Uncle Phil has the cash to hire the winning combo.

I think what gets lost is that HC's are 'working' at their job. Its a job. Its not loyalty. None of us are loyal over our family and our dreams. If we have great work ethic then you give your all where ever you are. I would give MC the benefit of the doubt and say he was loyal to the program. But, he's loyal to his dreams and his family first. Thats a solid character guy. Would any of us do any different?

The Natty is what the players aspire to. If you aren't talking Natty, players aren't signing letters of intent.