When a team gives up a 31-0 lead at halftime to lose, something has to change. Oregon blew a 31-0 lead in the Alamo Bowl to TCU last week and has relegated defensive coordinator Don Pellum to the role of linebackers coach. He will fill the role that has been left vacated by Erik Chinander, who is now on the move to UCF to take on the role of defensive coordinator. Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich announced the changes Monday afternoon.
“I want to thank Coach Chinander for his hard work these past two seasons,” Helfrich said in a released statement. “This is a natural progression for him as he’s an outstanding young coach.”
Despite demoting Pellum on the staff, Helfrich complimented his new linebackers coach.
“Don is a great man who has helped shape the culture and growth of Oregon Football in several different capacities for nearly 30 years,” Helfrich said. “He’s committed, as we all are, to being part of the solution to improve the end results on the field.”
As for Oregon’s defensive coordinator position, a national search is now underway to fill the hole. Oregon’s defense ranked 117th in the nation in total defense, notably one spot below in-state rival Oregon State and one spot ahead of Idaho. The Ducks allowed 485.3 yards per game in 2015. Oregon also ranked 116th in scoring defense, allowing 37.5 points per game.
