The Oregon Ducks are gearing up for the spring football season, and there's plenty of buzz around their newly finalized coaching staff for 2026. With the first practice just days away, let's dive into the changes and what they mean for the Ducks moving forward.
The Ducks took to social media on Monday to announce the full lineup, highlighting a mix of internal promotions and fresh faces. At the heart of these changes are the key coordinator roles.
Drew Mehringer steps up to fill the offensive coordinator spot, taking over from Will Stein, who has moved on to lead the Kentucky Wildcats. On the defensive side, Chris Hampton has been promoted to replace Tosh Lupoi, now the head coach for the California Golden Bears.
On offense, Koa Ka'ai has climbed the ranks from assistant quarterback coach to quarterback coach, while Jack Smith transitions from graduate assistant to tight ends coach. These promotions from within suggest a strategic continuity, aiming to build on the existing chemistry and success.
Defensively, the secondary is seeing a new structure. Chris Hampton will manage the safeties alongside his duties as defensive coordinator, while Rashad Wadood takes charge of the cornerbacks. This division of responsibilities could provide a more focused approach to strengthening the Ducks' defensive backfield.
Returning to Eugene is Mike Cavanaugh, a familiar face for Ducks fans. Previously part of the offensive line team, Cavanaugh is back as an offensive assistant after a stint with the Oregon State Beavers. His return brings valuable experience and continuity to the offensive line unit.
Adding an extra layer of expertise, the Ducks have brought in former NFL wide receiver Ryan Switzer as an offensive analyst. Switzer's recent role as the WR coach and passing game coordinator for Tulsa adds a fresh perspective to the Ducks' offensive strategy.
With these changes, the Ducks are setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. The blend of seasoned veterans and new talent in the coaching staff could be just what Oregon needs to make a significant impact this year. Fans will be eager to see how these strategic moves translate on the field.