The departure of Mario Cristobal has sent Oregon Ducks football into mayhem mode. Who will be their next coach?

John Canzano of the Oregonian reported yesterday that Oregon has requested an interview with Cal head coach Justin Wilcox. There have been no indications as to whether that request was accepted.

UPDATE: Wilcox interviewed today for the Oregon job.

John Canzano @johncanzanobft

Cal coach Justin Wilcox has now interviewed for the Oregon Ducks football job. Wilcox interviewed today.

December 9th 2021

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Regardless of the buyout issue, Oregon seems too be moving ahead with an interview with Chip Kelly.

John Canzano @johncanzanobft

This just in — the Oregon Ducks have asked for permission to speak with UCLA coach Chip Kelly about their fooball coaching vacancy, per University of Oregon source.

December 9th 2021

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This has now been confirmed by ESPN, so there might be legs here.

Chris Low @ClowESPN

Confirming @johncanzanobft's report. @oregonfootball is making a hard push to bring back Chip Kelly as the Ducks' head coach, sources tell ESPN. He has a lot of support there after taking Oregon to the national championship game in 2010. His buyout at UCLA is $9 million.

December 9th 2021

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On radio today, Canzano gave some candid thoughts on the coaching search.

• Wilcox is attractive to many of the Oregon faithful (and the Vegas bookmakers) for the potential of a long-term loyalty hire. After Oregon lost two consecutive coaches to their alma maters in Willie Taggart and Mario Cristobal, the idea of hiring an Oregon man has become more appealing. The Ducks had two coaches from 1977 to 2008, and are about to hire their fifth coach in 13 years. Stability can sound appealing.

• If Wilcox were offered the job, Canzano does not expect the entire Cal coaching staff to follow, although he does think Keith Heyward could be a prime candidate to join him given his prior experience with the Ducks. Wilcox would be given the warchest to make very strong coordinator hires.

• Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is another candidate who supposedly has shown interest, but it does not seem Oregon has reciprocated. At this point there has been no interview, and perhaps not even communication from the Ducks toward Kiffin’s camp.

• BYU head coach Kalani Sitake gave an interview. It did not go well.

• Chip Kelly would be an interesting reunion, but the buyout is $9 million until January 15. With Early Signing Day coming up and Oregon hemorrhaging recruits, it might be imperative for the Ducks to make a hire as soon as they can.

• Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin is recruiting in the Oregon region, but it’s unclear if he’s high on their list. There might be interest if other candidates do not work out.

• Oregon is also pursuing other candidates, and at least one big name overall. Canzano did not name the candidate.

The situation continues to develop.

Albert Breer @AlbertBreer

Homage to Chip Kelly part of a mural in the Oregon football facility garage (cc: @MikeSilver)

April 16th 2015

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