Oregon fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer on Sunday following their 21-10 loss to Illinois, a defeat that exposed a series of challenges within the Ducks’ offensive unit. The team’s struggles were compounded by multiple injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, leading coach Dan Lanning to make the change less than 24 hours after the game.
The loss to Illinois was Oregon’s worst of the season and came against a team starting a true freshman quarterback. Illinois rushed for 225 yards and held Oregon to just two scoring drives. The Ducks have scored only 42 points over the past three weeks, a slump that came despite a rushing attack that gained 180 yards against a defense that had been allowing just over 134 yards per game.
Mehringer faced a difficult task. Starting quarterback Dante Moore missed three games due to concussion protocol, forcing backups Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas into action. Their performances were inconsistent, and injuries to key wide receivers compounded the problem. Jeremiah McClellan, the team’s top wideout, was sidelined indefinitely with a broken foot after just three games. Evan Stewart has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury, and two other rotational receivers were also unavailable for the Illinois game. With such a depleted receiving corps, running back Dierre Hill Jr. had to fill in at receiver alongside freshmen Hudson Lewis and Gatlin Bair, both of whom had limited playing time before being thrust into starting roles.
Raiola acknowledged the difficulty in building timing with the receivers, noting that such connections usually develop with more experienced players. “Passing games are built on timing,” he said after the game. The lack of continuity clearly affected the offense’s efficiency.
The game also saw a failed gadget play late in the third quarter that drew criticism. With Oregon trailing 14-10 and driving from their own 9-yard line, Mehringer called a jet sweep to wide receiver Dakorien Moore. The play was poorly blocked and resulted in a one-yard loss, leading to a quick punt shortly after. Lanning said the play “certainly wasn’t successful” and admitted it caused a “pause in operation.” However, he pointed out that the play had to be approved by him as head coach before being called. “If Lanning didn’t like the play, he could have stopped it,” observers noted, since the head coach hears every call through the headset.
The firing of Mehringer raises questions about Oregon’s offensive leadership moving forward. Lanning is expected to announce his new offensive coordinator during a press conference on Monday. Possibilities include promoting from within for the remainder of the season or bringing in an experienced veteran coach to add a fresh perspective. Lanning previously hired younger coordinators like Kenny Dillingham and Will Stein, but the recent struggles might prompt a return to more seasoned leadership. Names like former Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who is currently Northwestern’s offensive coordinator, have been mentioned as examples of the kind of experience that might be sought, though no official approach has been confirmed.
The team’s injury woes continue to affect their offensive potential. Lanning said Stewart is expected to return, but McClellan remains out indefinitely. The offensive line also suffered from offseason mismanagement after losing three starters to the NFL, which has contributed to the offense’s struggles.
Oregon’s record now stands at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten. The next weeks will be critical in determining if the Ducks can recover from their recent setbacks, especially with the quarterback situation still uncertain.
According to Yahoo Sports.
