The Oregon Ducks’ coaching staff is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best in the country. With college football’s head coaching searches heating up, several Oregon assistants are catching the eyes of programs nationwide.
Why are the Ducks’ coaches so highly regarded? And what might be next for these talented folks on the sidelines?
Oregon Ducks’ Offensive Coordinator: Will Stein
Will Stein has quietly become one of the most underrated offensive coordinators in college football. He’s known for his knack with quarterbacks—some even call him a *quarterback whisperer*.
His success stories? Frank Harris at UTSA, Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and now Dante Moore in Eugene. That kind of track record gets people talking, and it’s no wonder he’s a hot commodity.
Stein’s Career Path
There’s something familiar about Stein’s journey. It feels a lot like Kenny Dillingham’s—both young, both relentless recruiters, both obsessed with offensive innovation.
Stein’s worked at both Power 4 and Group of 5 programs, which makes him even more appealing for head coaching gigs. Honestly, it’s probably just a matter of time before he gets the call.
Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi
Tosh Lupoi plays a massive role in Oregon’s defense. He’s basically Dan Lanning’s right-hand man, and the Ducks’ defense has taken big steps forward with him around.
Because of that, Lupoi’s name keeps popping up in head coaching rumors—especially for the Cal job.
Lupoi’s Connection to Cal
Lupoi grew up in Northern California and played at Cal, so you can’t help but wonder if a move back is in the cards. Oregon’s managed to keep him during past coaching carousels, but the pull of his alma mater might be tough to ignore this time.
If Lupoi does leave, it would be the first time Lanning has to fill the defensive coordinator spot at Oregon. That’d be a big shift for the program.
Running Backs Coach Ra’Shaad Samples
Ra’Shaad Samples is another name that’s getting thrown around for head coaching jobs. Last offseason, he was in the mix for the Sam Houston State gig before Phil Longo got the nod.
This year, it sounds like another Texas school could be interested in bringing him home.
Potential Move to North Texas
Eric Morris left North Texas for Oklahoma State, which means the Mean Green have a vacancy. Samples, being a Texas native, seems like a pretty intriguing candidate.
North Texas is one of the stronger Group of 5 programs, and some folks see Samples as a real dark horse for that job. If he takes it, Oregon’s offseason could get even more interesting.
The Challenge for Dan Lanning
Dan Lanning’s got his hands full this offseason. As head coach, he’s trying to hang on to his top assistants while other programs circle like hawks.
If some of these key staffers leave, it could shake things up for Oregon’s future. Then again, isn’t it kind of a compliment? It just shows the coaching staff Lanning put together is turning heads.
Want to dig deeper into what makes the Oregon Ducks’ coaching staff so different—and why everyone seems to want a piece? Check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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