Spring football is almost here, and the Oregon Ducks are just about done finalizing their coaching staff for the 2026 season. While fans are buzzing about returning talent like quarterback Dante Moore, there’s been a ton of behind-the-scenes work to lock in the broader coaching and support crew.
Head coach Dan Lanning has always mixed it up—leaning on internal development, up-and-coming coaches, and some seasoned vets to build out the program. The latest round of hires and promotions shows that same approach, with a pretty eclectic group of assistants, interns, and analysts set to back up the Ducks’ position coaches and coordinators this year.
The New Faces and Familiar Names on Oregon’s Coaching Staff
Oregon’s 2026 coaching staff is a mashup of proven veterans and some fresh talent. Each coach brings something a little different, making for a pretty well-rounded crew.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key hires and promotions rounding out the Ducks’ staff.
Koa Ka’ai: Quarterback Whisperer
Koa Ka’ai has been with the Ducks for a while, mostly working with tight ends and quarterbacks. He recently shifted to helping coach QBs under Will Stein and played a big part in developing Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and now Dante Moore.
Since Stein left, Ka’ai’s basically been the quarterback coach, focusing on skill work and recruiting.
Jack Smith: Elevating from Behind the Scenes
Jack Smith just got bumped up to tight ends coach after years working behind the scenes at Oregon. His path looks a lot like Koa Ka’ai, Ryan Walk, and Dante Ellington—guys who started small and earned bigger roles over time.
Jay Johnson: A Seasoned Veteran
Jay Johnson brings a ton of experience to the Ducks. He started coaching back in ’94 and has done just about everything, from offensive coordinator gigs at Southern Miss, Louisiana, Minnesota, Colorado, Michigan State, and Wyoming, to coaching running backs and tight ends.
He’s a pretty versatile addition to the staff.
Ryan Walk: Rising Star on the Offensive Line
Ryan Walk just moved up from offensive grad assistant to a full assistant. He’s quietly climbed the offensive line ladder and is seen as a rising star in the group.
Walk works with all O-line spots but spends a lot of time with the interior guys, plus he helps out with recruiting and scouting.
Strengthening the Offensive Unit
There have been a handful of key additions and promotions on offense, each bringing something different to the table.
Dante Ellington: Wide Receiver Development
Dante Ellington came to Oregon before the 2024 season and has helped develop receivers like Tez Johnson, Evan Stewart, and Traeshon Holden. He just got promoted from an analyst role to a bigger spot in the wide receiver room.
Ellington’s also been pretty active on the recruiting front.
Mike Cavanaugh: Returning Veteran
Mike Cavanaugh is back at Oregon as an offensive assistant after a short stint at Oregon State. With over 30 years coaching top O-lines, he’s set to help A’lique Terry run the offensive line room.
Jaleel Kindell: Versatile Coach
Jaleel Kindell’s coaching journey is a bit all over—he’s worked high school camps, Division III Willamette, and now Oregon. He’s helped with running backs and special teams, and he’ll keep playing a key role in recruiting and running the scout team wideouts.
AJ Traynor: Analytics and Intern Experience
AJ Traynor has been a coaching intern at Oregon the past few seasons, mostly on the analytics side. He’s spent a lot of time learning from the coaches above him, and his analytics background is a nice asset for the team.
Dane White: From Equipment Manager to Coach
Dane White started as an equipment manager at Arizona State, then worked as a student-coach with wide receivers. Now, he’s set to help out at running back for Oregon, bringing a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.
Defensive Enhancements
The Ducks’ defensive staff has seen some notable moves too, all aimed at shoring up the defense for 2026.
Kamran Araghi: Trusted Defensive Analyst
Kamran Araghi came to Oregon in 2022 as a defensive analyst and quickly became one of Tony Tuioti’s go-to assistants. He’s got a lot of experience with edge defenders, and apparently, other programs have noticed.
Rip Rowan: Defensive Line Expertise
Rip Rowan brings a long résumé, with stops at Southern Miss, FAU, Washington, and Georgia Southern. He’ll be working with the defensive line, adding even more experience to the room.
Adam Barraza: Assistant Cornerbacks Coach
Adam Barraza joined up ahead of 2024 as a defensive assistant and is now the assistant cornerbacks coach. He’s juggling a bunch of responsibilities on defense and has become a reliable part of the crew.
Mike Harrison: Defensive Intern
Mike Harrison arrived before the 2025 season as a defensive intern after coaching at Northwestern Oklahoma State. He mainly works with the defensive backs, giving the staff a little extra depth.
J.R. Reed: From Player to Coach
J.R. Reed is stepping into his first coaching gig after wrapping up a pro playing career. He played at Georgia under Dan Lanning, so he’s bringing some firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the game.
Special Teams and Support Staff
Oregon’s also beefed up its special teams and support staff, aiming for a more complete setup for 2026.
Josh Simmons: Defensive Intern
Josh Simmons joined Oregon in 2022 as a walk-on and is now back as a defensive intern. Having played for the Ducks and knowing the program inside out, he’s a handy addition to the staff.
Bailey McElwain: Special Teams Assistant
Bailey McElwain has a pretty varied coaching background. He’s worked with a handful of West Coast programs over the years.
Now, he’s joining Oregon in 2026 as a special teams assistant. The Ducks are bringing him on for his experience—he’s seen a lot, and honestly, that can’t hurt.
If you’re curious about the rest of the new hires and staff moves, you can check out more details here: Inside Oregon’s Latest Coaching Staff Additions Ahead of the 2026 Season.
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