The Oregon Ducks are now in the market for a new head coach after a whirlwind week involving then-HC Mario Cristobal, the Miami Hurricanes, and Manny Diaz. With the Ducks fresh off a disappointing end to their strong year, it is imperative for them to find the next and the best option to lead their team, especially with recruits re-opening their commitments to play for the Ducks.
Cristobal did well in his four years leading Oregon, amassing a 35-13 record that produced two consecutive Pac-12 conference titles and two bowl game wins under him: the 2018 Redbox Bowl and the 2019 Rose Bowl.
But with Cristobal now out of the picture, who’s next up in Eugene to help lead a talented squad that is seemingly on the precipice of the playoff every year, but cannot get out of its own way?
Kellen Moore
Current Role – Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
Taking a step back into the collegiate ranks may seem like a demotion on paper, but Kellen Moore has been talked about across most circles as a solid offensive mind, making him a likely candidate to be in the hunt.
Moore has a pretty cushy job leading Dak Prescott and Dallas’ offense, but he did make a name for himself when he was the pigskin-throwing lefty for Boise State. While his professional career never amassed to anything, he did slide into a coaching career in the NFL, catching on with the Cowboys and ascending to OC.
If Moore wants to strike while the iron is hot and jump for his first HC role, he could do much worse than leading Oregon, as their style of offense may suit more of what he is looking to help facilitate. Leaving during the stretch run of the NFL schedule certainly may leave a sour taste in the mouth of people in the NFL front offices, but Moore would be smart to see if the team has any sort of interest in bringing him in.
Matt Campbell
Iowa State HC
Potentially a long shot here based on how comfortable he is in Ames, Matt Campbell’s name is thrown around into every head coach search for the past few seasons, and with good reason.
Campbell has helped steady the ship for the Iowa State Cyclones, and he has helped them become a steady force in the Big 12 that will be undergoing some changes. With the chance to rise to the top of their own conference, Campbell likely will want to stay and help that ascension.
But Oregon can throw a lot of money his way, so Campbell would at least be smart to pick up the phone and see if they are willing to make him a yearly offer of $6+ million.
Dave Aranda
Baylor HC
Seemingly the clubhouse favorite, Dave Aranda has made his fair share of stops leading defenses around the nation before settling in as the HC for the Baylor Bears – and with Baylor strongly solidified as one of the best teams in the Big 12, he may not want to leave.
But Aranda is respected all across college football, and this would constitute the biggest coaching opportunity he has been offered, and he would be a solid fit for the Ducks even with his defensive background. Bringing someone in that understands the defense would be a big change of pace for Oregon, but that could be the final piece to the puzzle that has been holding them back.
Oregon needs to go all out to court Aranda and bring up north, and his work ethic would set a great example for how he would like to expand upon the current success the Ducks have been experiencing for a while.
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