One under the radar hire that really sticks out: Mike Cavanaugh has returned as an assistant OL coach. I love Coach Terry, he's young, energetic, and smart. But all of that just can't replace experience which Coach Cavanaugh has in spades. I thought the OL performance took a step back when he left for the Beavos, so I'm excited to see how the line will improve in the upcoming season.

Oregon Ducks On SI

Dan Lanning Brings Back Crucial Hire to Oregon Coaching S...

The Oregon Ducks announced their new coaching staff for the 2026 season, and the return of offensive line analyst Mike Cavanaugh might be one of the more signif

I am glad to see Cavanaugh back, but he is an analyst, not an assistant coach as Coach Terry is. Thanks for posting the article, as it answered our earlier questions...will Mehringer be both TEs coach and OC, or QB coach and OC? The answer is neither, as he will just be the OC, and they hired Koa Ka'ai for QB coach, (who I know nothing about) and the new tight ends coach is Jack Smith. (Who I also know nothing about)

But I trust in Lanning!

Here's a little info about Koa Ka'ai. Doesn't look like a lot of experience, but then, as you said. "I trust in Lanning"

Oregon Ducks On SI

This Oregon Coaching Promotion Could Be Big For Dante Moore

The Oregon Ducks announced their 2026 staff, revealing that Koa Ka’ai has been promoted to quarterbacks coach. Ka’ai previously served as the team’s assistant q

2 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

I am glad to see Cavanaugh back, but he is an analyst, not an assistant coach as Coach Terry is. Thanks for posting the article, as it answered our earlier questions...will Mehringer be both TEs coach and OC, or QB coach and OC? The answer is neither, as he will just be the OC, and they hired Koa Ka'ai for QB coach, (who I know nothing about) and the new tight ends coach is Jack Smith. (Who I also know nothing about)

But I trust in Lanning!

Cavanaugh was an analyst in his last stint with Oregon. This time he's listed as an assistant OL coach.

I'll trust Lanning but with fingers crossed. Between the personnel on the rosters and the teams recent and projected future success, they could have any QB coach or OC they want. If Lanning believes that he has the coaches he wants, I have to believe it for now. As an outsider, it seems like they could have done better but what do I know?

9 hours ago, kirklandduck said:

Cavanaugh was an analyst in his last stint with Oregon. This time he's listed as an assistant OL coach.

I don't see that on GoDucks.com...but it appears my ancient definition of an "assistant" is now extinct. In the old days, you had a head coach, and the other eight were assistant coaches. Now we have coaches listed like A'lique Terry as "Offensive Line," and I suppose Cavanaugh could be an assistant OL coach.

They list Koa Ka'ai as "Assistant QBs," so you are correct with the current rendition of "assistant." Thanks for letting me know, as I have to change my terminology to fit what they are doing these days.

9 hours ago, The Kamikaze Kid said:

...but what do I know?

You and Me.....

16 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

I don't see that on GoDucks.com...but it appears my ancient definition of an "assistant" is now extinct. In the old days, you had a head coach, and the other eight were assistant coaches. Now we have coaches listed like A'lique Terry as "Offensive Line," and I suppose Cavanaugh could be an assistant OL coach.

They list Koa Ka'ai as "Assistant QBs," so you are correct with the current rendition of "assistant." Thanks for letting me know, as I have to change my terminology to fit what they are doing these days.

Yeah my old understanding was "analyst" titles did not have on-field responsibilities while "assistant" coaches did. It appears that perhaps the "analyst" may have been renamed to "assistant"? I'm not sure. I mis-read the list originally though, Mike Cavanaugh is listed as an "Offensive Assistant" not "Assistant Offensive Line", that one's Ryan Walk.

Doesn't matter what they call him--I am glad he's back!

Offensive analyst Ryan Switzer was a punt and kickoff return specialist in college and in the NFL.

Oregon Ducks On SI

Dan Lanning Reveals What Ryan Switzer Brings to Oregon Co...

The Oregon Ducks made changes to their coaching staff this offseason, including the addition of offensive analyst Ryan Switzer. Switzer was previously the wide