Drake

This was an assistant that had been a two time finalist for the Broyles award, one of the top recruiters in the nation, and is well known for his work ethic. This guy is riding a wave of success, and has turned it into a head coaching job at Oregon. Seems to me that this is exactly the type of candidates you want to interview, and we are one of the few teams that could pull this guy out of Georgia. I applaud the results.

Recruiting ability is what excites me about this hire. His recruiting network has roots in the SEC, but also has branches all over the country….the possibilities to recover from the mass coaching exodus seem pretty good right now.

Not many coaches are even considered for the Broyles award. Doesn’t happen by dumb luck. There is substance to this hire. I think there may be some growing pains, but overall I am satisfied. People smarter than me were directly involved in the hiring process, and I trust their judgement. We are not starting a 20 year downward spiral. I was attending the U of O during a time that could be described like that in the late seventies and early eighties. Trust me, this is different.

I understand the angst as the recruiting class seems to be quickly disappearing. I do feel bad for the team. One month ago they had a chance for an appearance in the playoff. Today, the HC, OC, DC, and key support is heading out the door. Totally dead in the water at the moment. Since the hiring process didn’t include a phone call to me for my opinion, I will support whomever is hired. Be glad when we have a captain to get this ship back on course.

All I know is that Nike stock has been killing it for the last 12 years…Congrats to Phil Knight and his succession plan…seems to have worked out well. Now we will see if he wants to help the Ducks make a big splash.

I get that our fans want the “perfect fit/coach” to come in and take the Ducks to the National Championship. However, unless the Oregon trust fund pays huge sums of money for a well known coach and staff, the Ducks will need to hire someone that has “potential”. For all that Phil Knight has done for the University, I don’t take it for granted that he will foot that bill. Perhaps he will, but without his support our athletic budget is stretched pretty thin. Wish all you want for the “perfect fit”, but remember that someone needs to pay the bills. Support the University and DAF if your budget allows.

An agent wouldn’t be worth squat if they were not on the phone asking questions regarding this position. They all try to use the “interest from another University” as leverage. Sure would be interesting to hear the conversations of “Oregon’s Braintrust” regarding the possible candidates.

The amount of $$$$ that gets wasted bringing the next “program savior” into town seems kind of shameful. Contract buyouts, bonuses, etc……. I love college football, but the money side of the football entertainment industry pushes me one step closer to turning it off.

The guy knows his Cristobal’s brother, and has wire tapped the Miami AD. Busy guy.

Many reasons to leave. ($$$$$$) A sport, college football, that I do enjoy, has an ugly side. All football coaches talk about teamwork in someway, shape, or form. I guess that teamwork only goes so far when large $$$ donors get involved.

Thank goodness my work output was not scrutinized by thousands on a regular basis. It would be annoying to be second guessed by people that have never done your job, but seem to know just what you should be doing at all times. I don’t think I would demonstrate the patience that some of these coaches show after the loss of a game. So many variables go into winning a National Championship. I am pretty sure that the teams winning it lately are recruiting within the top 5 on a regular basis. Pretty sure that variable is one of the most important. What’s our highest ranked recruiting class? Wasn’t our best recruiting class ranked #6? Cristobal is coaching the youngest team in college football and is currently ranked in the top 10 at the end of the regular season. He has my respect.

I think some of the younger fans may have a different view of the Ducks football “prominence “. They weren’t born when the Ducks football team struggled in the early years of the Rich Brooks era. Those years made me appreciate where we are today. I understand that 2 losses are a tragedy when you have your sights set on a National Championship. Try 2 wins for an entire season a few times….ughhh However, most fans know that we have been very close to winning a championship, and being grumpy about a loss that knocks you out of championship contention is part of being a football fan. I am far from being a spoiled fan

We were not the #3 team in the country this year. We are a young team that has been hit with injuries, and have a QB that struggles. For Oregon to have a shot at the National Championship it will be with a QB in the Heisman trophy chase, a couple great RB’s, and a highly ranked defense. We will also need a favorable schedule and avoid injuries to key players. Everyone wants to win the title, but realistically you need recruiting classes in the top 10 on a regular basis to consistently compete at that level. If you think a “better coach” is the answer, they will also need to recruit better than Cristobal.

Pittman wants a path to the NFL. The AB to MP connection just never materialized. MP wants to be “the guy”, but he isn’t. Not so sure the coaches, or players were going out of their way to “disrespect” him. I guess disrespect in his case means that the ball isn’t thrown to him. He is a solid punt return guy, but we have had better.

Seems that the controlling powers are a little…well, controlling.

Never have had a problem getting good seats at the PAC 12 Championship game. I usually buy them much later.

Caldwell (cardwell) will be a good one. He will hit the hole fast, but also is patient to wait for his blockers, and look for cut back lanes when necessary. His last touchdown was a great example. Made it look easy.

There will not be a quick fix for either USC, or Washington. Both of those Universities want to crush the Ducks, but they will need a good coach and recruiter. I am not so sure well known names want either job. However, money can move a mountain. Should be interesting to watch.

The puppies really need leadership from an AD that sets standards for behavior for coaches. Kids may not pay attention to some of those details, but I guarantee that parents of the athletes will. Happy recruiting doggies.

Not many QB’s can make those types of throws. He can make that throw off his back foot. Herbert is a great athlete. I am sure he would have done well in baseball, basketball, etc. He has made me a Charger fan.

This is the team that gets no respect. I have to admit that I am mildly surprised to see them at 8 -1. I am sure that we are a good candidate for an upset alert for the rest of the season. This team is resilient. With the youth, and injuries that have occurred requiring the coaches to fill positions with walk on players, I have to give them a lot of credit. Keepit going Ducks…Prove all the naysayers wrong.

I think the coaches stay with AB because he can run the ball. Not like Mariota could run, but he will run. We know AB’s shortcomings when it comes to passing downfield, so the coaches know that as well. Moorehead will still have him throw a deep ball, but percentage wise, it’s seem like a long shot for him to connect with a receiver in stride. Moorehead has game planned this year with AB in as QB. I think the offense may change somewhat from this years play calling if the QB’s strength is actually passing vs. running.

“Scratching the surface on the passing game. “ I would like to believe that statement. After watching AB throw 4 interceptions(two overturned by defensive penalties), I am nervous anytime he throws to a receiver beyond 10 yards. Can AB improve? I certainly hope so…

Not a hater at all. Replacing coaches is not an exact science. Many say Chip Kelly is a better “coach”. Problem with Chip is that being a head coach involves more than X’s and O’s. Chip’s record is not endearing himself to UCLA alums. I attend games and will cheer and grumble like every fan. I never have felt entitled to a winning team, or championship. A lot of pieces would need to fall into place for Oregon to win a National Championship. One of the main pieces is consistently recruiting high caliber talent. Another big piece will be a QB that is in contention for the Heisman Trophy. If Oregon doesn’t have those components, in my opinion, all the complaining is just “white noise”. Cristobal has a good chance of accomplishing at least those things. Will he win a championship? I don’t know, but he has a better chance than most coaches in college football.

Gone are the days of having a comfortable lead.