OregonRich

I'm not advocating for Chip's return, although I wouldn't necessarily be against it, but I do think Chip deserves much more credit for recruiting than he gets. I'd suggest the exciting, fast-paced style of play that Chip employed and the success we saw under his leadership paid dividends years later when kids who grew up watching his teams, became recruits themselves. How many of Mario's recruits said it was their dream to be Ducks? Many! Well I'd contend that those dreams were shaped by Chip, not Mario. Conversely, I'd say that Mario's style of play would've hurt us down the road. I don't think it would've produced a NC. And I'm certain kids viewing it from a far wouldn't have had their dreams shaped by watching it. My thoughts anyway.

Hilarious. Serious belly laugh...

Personally, I'm OK with that. For me, an NC isn't the end-all be-all. I'd rather have a team that strives to win, plays well, and is exciting and fun to watch,...but that may occasionally come up short against better opponents. If we win a NC, great. If not, no sleep lost. I'm certain I'm an outlier here, but that's what I'd be most happy with. I hope you don't. I may not agree with everything you say, but I sure enjoy your posts.

I bet he still coaches the bowl game. I'd think Mario would want him to stick through the bowl game for the players sake. Let's hope.

But does this sound like it could be even remotely true? It's Lane Kiffen. It's not like he needs an introduction. I find this really hard to believe.

I suspect it had more to do with Mario selling him on lots of passes coming his son's way. Probably the same sales message he used on the all the receiver recruits. I really doubt he told them they'd spend most of their time blocking and running around as decoys. You know, the truth.

I couldn't stand the guy when he led the Huskies ("Scoreboard, baby!"), but he doesn't seem to be half bad anymore. Still, can't see him as a Duck.

Its not going to happen, but I'd take Chip in a heartbeat. He's a damn good coach - light years beyond Mario. And, heck, even when his teams lose, they're still fun to watch. Kind of a dick? Yes. Great coach? Undeniable.

I have to admit to liking the Bellotti idea better.

I'm happy he's gone. I hated his offense, lack of coaching skills, and his unshakable determination not to learn from his mistakes. I'm unhappy with the way he played everyone, pretending nothing was going on when it obviously was. At best you could term his post-game press conference as disingenuous. I'd call it something worse. Let's remember that he made these comments after he'd been presented with PK's offer and let it sit idle all day. Reporters had asked him legitimate questions, and he was "dickish" in his responses until finally settling on this: "Let's not create narratives as we sit here in this press conference." said Cristobal, whose Ducks lost to Utah twice in three weeks by a combined final of 76-17. "Oregon is working on some stuff for me, that's what I have right now, and that's the extent of that conversation. "If I had any plans, if I had a decision to make or if I had something to report, I would. If there is anything to report, I'd report it. I always have?' For a guy who presented himself as "Mr. Sincerity," he was anything but. I suspect that has a lot to do with some fans feeling angry and betrayed. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the recruits he visited on Saturday feel the same way

Interesting. Never really cared for his personality, but loved watching his teams play football. I actually think he'd do quite well.

My 2 cents agrees with your 2 cents.

I can't blame Mario for leaving, but I don't think he's handled it well. Particularly for a guy who fancied himself to be such a straight shooter.

What a great story. Sounds like you're dad was quite a guy. Thanks for sharing.

What an ending. So close and yet so far - six more inches and they're in the playoffs.

I've always loved Bill Musgrave. Damn collarbone.

My major complaint. And why I don't see it ever getting better with Mario.

Exacty. But let's be honest with ourselves, this is who he is. He's demonstrated it over and over again.

That was the one thing I was very happy to not hear him say.

Totally agree. The kid has heart.

And, no, my negative opinion of Mario doesn't stem from being a "spoiled fan." My undergrad years (early 80s) were spent watching the Ducks lose and lose badly. And, back then, it always rained in Autzen Stadium.

An out-of-the-park home run, Charles. I couldn't agree more. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm not a Mario fan. And I think it'll hurt us in the long run.

Exactly. And, actually, quite refreshing.

He ditched out on Cinci back in 2009, right before their Sugar Bowl game and after countless denials of possibly leaving. Lack of character defines him.

I couldn't agree more!