Mike West

Have faith fellow Duck fans. Everything works out the way it's supposed to. Personally, the current roster matters more. High school kids are less invested because they just don't know what they're really doing. How many of them are going to recognize MC built on the recruiting foundation the Snake launched? How many can even recognize MC solidified that legacy? Not to mention coaches from every region of the country recognized this team is ready made for a solid title run IN 2022? Heck, most fans don't even recognize it. Injuries this year exposed how solid this team truly is. And now they have experience. I reviewed the talent pool of the recruits we've lost so far. I don't think they would crack the starting unit ahead of the talent that played this year. We could always use more depth. But the impact players in 2022 are here NOW. Now I have issues about next year myself. But Mario Cristobal gave a talented coach a battle ready group capable of doing some real damage next year. The isn't a single recruit we lost that worries me. We're going to kick some butt next year. Trust me.

Agreed. Daniels needs to start both games.

I believe one of the reasons our recruiting has stepped up is we hired coaches from the South. They know (knew) the elite recruits already. In the land of plenty. I doubt Lanning will have difficulty hitting the ground running. This guy pressures teams like NFL Coordinators do. That is going to be a huge draw for the Bubbas down south. Now, the sooner we announce an OC the better. And if we hit it out of the park and hire a proven ensemble of coaches...

Annnnnd it begins.... Thank you Warrenton for showing you have as much passion for OBD as the rest of us. I respectfully disagree, and here's to hoping you're wrong with no hard feelings. I'm quite sure you want a Natty as much as we all do. I for one am glad we can begin the next chapter in our pursuit of a title.

OMG, HE EMERGES!!!!!

While I agree with you, and my first impulse on "negotiations" (regarding Manning coaching during the playoffs) was your quote above I do recall however, FAU poaching Lane Kiffin, and said coach got himself canned before the playoffs by the great one. College Football is war at this point. It's always best to maintain scruples, principles, and ethics. That said, self interest does matter. The question truly is, can Lanning continue his responsibilities at Georgia this year with integrity AND start building his "new" program (if he's hired)? That's the only way I'd accept the job. Giving my current players the chance to win their elusive Natty. Those players deserve that commitment. In other words, I wouldn't have done what Brian Kelly did. I lost a ton of respect for him, and I believe his stunt tarnished College Football.

Anyone here still believe Oregon isn't a premiere destination? We're going to get the best coach possible given the circumstances. THEN, well go back to complaining about what's wrong with the program lol. When life seems uncertain to me, I rely on faith that good things will happen. My life has worked out pretty well. And from the comments I've seen in this forum, a resounding majority of us have always landed where we expected to be. What makes us think Oregon Football will be any different? Oregon's future is bright.

Well the Snake had a better offense than Chip when Herbert was playing. And he didn't have D1 experience.

It's almost as if you're saying we should hire a Mario Cristobal, a Mark Helfrich or a Willie Taggart. Do you see the blue bloods doing that? USC, LSU and Oklahoma didn't look for those type of coaches. We are in their league are we not? Oklahoma went with a guy that took a "stepping stone" away from them. The game has left Homers behind. It is strictly an arms race whether we like it or not. I sure don't like it, but I'm realistic. Every year for the rest of your life Athletic Directors will have a full Rolodex. They will attend national coaching conventions. They will network like they've never networked before.

It's not just a matter of the candidate pool. The best candidates are still coaching major bowls, so the timing couldn't be worse.

My belief is Justin Wilcox is another Willie Taggart, Mario Cristobal, and Mark Helfrich. You have to be qualified to elevate your program to Natty caliber. Like Chris Peterson qualified. Wilcox is not. If you want another Rich Brooks or Len Casanova, your going to get the results they got. And it will take just as long as they did. The goal is to win multiple titles. Not manage someone else's talent, then fade into the sunset. The only reason Wilcox gave Cristobal headaches is because Cristobal let most coaches give him headaches. Wilcox is not the answer if national titles are the question.

Ah my good friend Jon, The best part of your writing "game" is your knowledge. Especially your knowledge of the national scene. Yes, I'm clearly a Homer, and I see mostly positive when it comes to OBD. That said, our chances of surviving ( or should I say garnering a winning record versus ) our 2022 OOC schedule are up in the air, since we are backpedaling from recent events. I do like the tough schedules, but only if we keep getting top ten recruiting classes. Hiring the right coach (with the right stuff) is critical. We need a coach that can develop his players, and out coach his peers. You hit the bullseye on what's required to win titles. And every champion requires a little bit of luck. Good luck that is, because we had bad luck in both of our title shots ( the "tackle that want a tackle" the first time, then an unfortunate rash of injuries along with an unfortunate disqualification the second time). Every year, we as fans seem to get more demanding because we've been so close over the past twelve years. But aren't you glad we're not Georgia? All that talent, only to cave (so often) to a well known nemesis. It's so good to be a Duck. We haven't hit an iceberg. Let's hope we hire an excellent coach that gets us a title within four years ( that's about the longest era we'll get from a coach ).

If Tedford still wants to coach, I'd go after him for damn sure.

You're no snob David. I think you have a very valid point. I personally think he's interesting. I'm done with the Spread for the most part. I believe it should be part of an offense that primarily works under center. I don't see enough Sequentials ( Constraint plays for the football expert) that work unless the QB running it is extremely elite Too many well coached and talented defenses are stopping the Spread now. I'm looking for a HC that knows offenses period. But I want a coach that can make a conventional offense explosive and incorporate some Spread wrinkles. The Ducks are loaded on offense, and these players can execute any type of offense. In fact Cristobal might have been more effective running a conventional offense. Lots of angst out there. Well be fine.

Cal, like UCLA recruits students like NASA recruits astronauts. Not many astronauts win national titles. I like that Fentress will ask tough questions. But he's even more arrogant than I am. And I don't agree with much he has to say. There are some good Coordinators on both sides of the ball Phil can recruit and incentivize to 8 million. I'm no sports world negotiator, but that's my angle. I saw some damn good coaching this weekend. Somebody in that group of Coordinators is wise enough to duplicate what the Snake did- hire a good ensemble of coaches (but this time more effective at developing players and game time coaching) and recruit like the best. The coaching talent is out there. A Coordinators that has been preparing himself has paid attention the past five years. Let's hope that man is ready to eventually surpass the fine job we've experienced the past twelve years. Rest of your life coach? I don't see that happening anywhere. The college football world has changed forever.

If Cristobal wins a conference title, he's done his job. The ACC has been Clemson and everybody else. Mario has a shot. Like it or not. Natty? Don't see it unless he REALLY CHANGES. He won't get the head start he got here, so he better start changing pronto.

6 million base, incentives to win the division, win the conference, win the Rose Bowl, win the Natty. Do it the old fashioned way... EARN IT

Amen Charles. I'm disappointed, but I've been on the fence since the conversation got real about him leaving. I wish him great fortune no matter what because he's the type of man many men should aspire to be Life at elite levels like college football, pro football, corporations (and just about anywhere the most talented people in life compete) is rough and tumble. MC has principles and is a man of integrity. I believe he really is trying to do the right thing for all involved. Life is brutal. I'd go to battle for a man like Mario Cristobal.

I really don't think Utah is a mediocre team. Time will tell because Ohio State is slightly better than Oregon this year.

I actually believe the players can't cover. The CBs have been a major disappointment given their respective "ratings".

Impressive article Jordan! Here's my take: 1) Very good points on the potential losses to the program if MC leaves 2) Possible bright sides:. Oklahoma State and Baylor both have Offensive Coordinators that coached brilliantly yesterday. Baylor's OC came from BYU. I'd take either one as HC. The Oregon brand is strong. If the Snake can recruit to Oregon, and MC ramped it up better, well those two showed they can compete with Lincoln Riley on the field ( AND WIN). That's a narrative that both will be able sell to recruits. I'm going to give MC the benefit of the doubt. Utah served him some major humble pie. He will lose all credibility if he doesn't deliver a playoff berth next year (at Oregon). THAT WILL REQUIRE CHANGE. If he stays, he was shown exactly what it takes to reach the playoffs this week ( by several programs). And it's not what he's been providing ( with THREE playoff caliber teams at that). If MC matches the performance at USC the last two years ( the only two true dominant victorious against equal talent) -over a full year, we really will have to pay him mega bucks. And he'd be worth it. That requires an authentic NFL caliber QB. He may have three on his hands. So the ball win be in his court front and center next year ( he can find his OC- but HE MUST DELIVER).

MC is wearing sweats. Possibly a good sign ( unlike that suit we saw the Snake wearing four years ago ) .

The operative phrase here. MC was introduced to his vision by another coach. That is how a physical offense is supposed to perform. My question is what team doesn't want to be physical? Oh FishDuck, can you tell us what you learned after MC spent time with you after his first presser?

It's kind of win-win if you think about it. If he leaves, there will still be plenty of talent for the right guy. If he stays, he has time to reflect on if he wants to win, or learn more lessons the hard way. I'm very disappointed with the tread water performance. But I still wish MC the best, and no matter where he goes, a good soul search may do him good because he is a B Minus coach right now. Championships require more. So my question to every coach out there is: Are you serious about doing everything it takes to be your best, and get the best every day out of your team- including the willingness to leave your ego at the door?

I saw plenty of very good coaching in that game today. Both teams killed momentum with good play calling on both sides of the ball. Not seeing that in the PAC12 these days. And to think, the conference rejected Oklahoma State. Same as it ever was... I'm starting to think there's been a talent drain going on out West. Hubris, entitlement, and entrenchment mentality is aplenty.