The Oregon Ducks had their eyes set high on their coaching search. Names like Dave Aranda, Lane Kiffin, Chris Petersen, Chip Kelly all appeared to be entertained after the sudden departure of Mario Cristobal.

Chris Pietsch @ChrisPietsch

Gallery in the works: California head football coach Justin Wilcox, left, talks with former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti before the game against the Ducks. bit.ly/3lJQvpK @registerguard @rg_ducksports @oregonfootball #CollegeFootball #Pac12FB

October 16th 2021

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But it seems as if the son of Oregon is going to be also thrown into the ring. John Canzano of the Oregonian reports that the Ducks wish to interview Cal head coach Justin Wilcox.

John Canzano @johncanzanobft

Oregon has asked permission to interview with Cal coach Justin Wilcox, per source.

December 9th 2021

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Everyone knows the story by now. Wilcox played college ball at Oregon, his dad played college ball at Oregon (and is in the Pro Football and Oregon Hall of Fame), his brother played college ball at Oregon . He was approached about the opening for the Oregon job in 2017 when Willie Taggart left town, but opted to stay at Cal.

Obviously, four years have passed, Wilcox’s situation at Cal isn’t quite as secure, his tenure has been marred by frustration, and Oregon has been burned twice by coaches who left for their alma maters in Florida. The mutual appeal is apparent. The Ducks want someone who won’t leave. Wilcox could want to coach in a place with unlimited support.

It does appear that Oregon is looking at a few other candidates, including one NFL candidate.

John Canzano @johncanzanobft

Oregon is also talking with at least two other candidates, I’m told. One of those is in the NFL.

December 9th 2021

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Canzano also reports Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is out of contention.

John Canzano @johncanzanobft

Lane Kiffin “not in the mix” for Oregon football vacancy, per source.

December 9th 2021

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