Oregon is doubling down on continuity - and that’s no small thing when you’re chasing championships in the Big Ten.
The Ducks announced Thursday that Drew Mehringer has been promoted to offensive coordinator and Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator, filling the shoes of Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, who both played major roles in Oregon’s rise to national prominence. Rather than bringing in outsiders, head coach Dan Lanning opted to elevate from within - a clear signal that the Ducks are prioritizing stability, familiarity, and a culture of internal development as they gear up for the next chapter.
Let’s start with Mehringer. Since arriving in Eugene in 2022, he’s been in the thick of Oregon’s offensive evolution - first as tight ends coach, then as co-offensive coordinator.
He’s worked side by side with Stein over the last few seasons, helping craft one of the most explosive, balanced, and creative offenses in college football. Now, he takes full control of the playbook.
Mehringer’s reputation as an innovative play designer and a strong recruiter - especially with skill players and tight ends - has only grown during his time in Eugene. His promotion ensures that the Ducks won’t be straying far from the formula that’s worked so well: high tempo, smart spacing, quarterback-friendly schemes, and a versatile, matchup-driven approach.
“I’m honored to take on this role,” Mehringer said. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited to keep pushing it forward.”
Lanning echoed that sentiment, calling Mehringer “incredibly smart and innovative” and praising his ability to put players in positions to succeed. That’s been a consistent theme under Lanning - not just recruiting elite talent, but maximizing it with coaches who know how to teach, connect, and adjust.
On the defensive side, Hampton’s elevation is equally significant. He’s been co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, and his fingerprints are all over the Ducks’ recent defensive growth. Oregon’s secondary took a leap under Hampton’s guidance - faster, more physical, more disciplined - and his background as a former defensive coordinator at Tulane gave the Ducks another sharp mind in the room.
Now, he gets the full reins.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Hampton said. “This program is built on great players and great people. I’m excited to go to work every day and compete for championships.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Under Hampton and Lupoi, Oregon’s defense became more aggressive and more adaptable - traits that are essential when you’re facing the diverse offensive styles of the Big Ten. With Hampton now leading the unit, the Ducks are betting on continuity in scheme, language, and expectations.
Lanning called Hampton “one of the best defensive minds in the country” and praised his leadership and ability to build strong relationships with players. That relational piece matters. In today’s college football landscape - with the transfer portal, NIL, and constant roster churn - coaches who can earn trust and connect with athletes are more valuable than ever.
These moves aren’t just about filling vacancies. They’re about reinforcing the culture Lanning has built.
Oregon has become a place where coaches grow, just like the players. Stein and Lupoi used their time in Eugene as a springboard to bigger opportunities, and now it’s Mehringer and Hampton’s turn to lead.
And the timing couldn’t be more crucial. Oregon is deep into its transition to the Big Ten, managing roster turnover, and carrying legitimate national title aspirations.
Promoting from within limits the disruption. These coaches already know the personnel, the terminology, the expectations.
There’s no learning curve - just a continuation of the blueprint that’s already working.
So what’s the message here? Simple: Oregon isn’t hitting reset.
They’re doubling down on what’s made them a contender. Mehringer and Hampton aren’t new voices - they’re trusted ones.
And in a sport where stability is rare, the Ducks are leaning into it.