The Oregon Ducks are in the thick of College Football Playoff preparations, but behind the scenes, Dan Lanning’s coaching staff is undergoing some significant changes. First came the news that offensive coordinator Will Stein is heading to the SEC to take over as head coach at Kentucky. Now, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Cal.
That’s two major pieces of Oregon’s coaching puzzle potentially on the move, and it all comes at a time when the Ducks are chasing a national title. The good news for Oregon fans?
Stein is expected to stay on through the College Football Playoff, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lupoi does the same. But looking ahead to next season, Lanning may already have his next defensive coordinator lined up.
According to reports, Oregon is expected to promote co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Chris Hampton to the full-time defensive coordinator role if Lupoi departs for Berkeley. It’s a logical move-and one that keeps the continuity of the Ducks’ defensive identity intact.
Hampton, 39, has been with Oregon since 2023 and has earned respect inside the building for both his football mind and his leadership style. Before joining the Ducks, he served as Tulane’s defensive coordinator under Willie Fritz, who’s now leading the Houston Cougars.
Hampton’s coaching journey has taken him from graduate assistant gigs at Arkansas State and Georgia Tech to stops at Central Arkansas, McNeese State, and Duke. He also brings playing experience to the table, having started at safety for South Carolina from 2004 to 2007.
What stands out about Hampton isn’t just his résumé-it’s the way he connects with players and coaches alike. During fall camp earlier this year, he downplayed his own role in Oregon’s strong defensive recruiting class, instead pointing to the collective effort of the staff.
“I don’t think I deserve to get all the credit,” Hampton said. “There are a lot of guys who don’t get as much recognition as they should.
I get a lot of the credit because I’m the secondary coach, but there are so many guys who work with me. Hopefully, people understand I’m selfless and don’t have an ego.
I let them coach, I listen to their input, and we recruit as a team.”
That kind of humility and collaboration is exactly what you want in a coordinator, especially at a program with championship aspirations. Hampton’s approach has already paid dividends-Oregon’s secondary, while young, has the physical tools to compete at a high level. Hampton himself acknowledged the inexperience but expressed confidence in the group’s potential.
“We definitely look the part,” he said. “We’re not as experienced, but we’ve got the height, the weight, the speed. I think we’ve got all the talent to be a really good secondary.”
If Hampton does get the nod as Oregon’s next defensive coordinator, he’ll inherit a unit that’s already been shaped by his influence. And with Lanning’s defensive pedigree and Hampton’s rising-star status, the Ducks may not miss a beat-even as their coaching staff evolves.
For now, the focus remains on the playoff. But Oregon’s already laying the groundwork for what comes next-and Chris Hampton looks poised to play a major role in that future.