Cristobal Dumps Ducks
It had been rumored before the Pac-12 Championship game that the University of Miami wanted Oregon Football coach Mario Cristobal and was apparently willing to pay whatever it took to get him. Monday morning news release from the UO AD… EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens announced that head football coach Mario Cristobal informed the university this morning that he has accepted the head football coach position at another university. A nationwide search for the next leader of the Oregon football program is underway. “We appreciate all of Mario’s accomplishments and hard work here at Oregon, and we wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter,” said Mullens. “The University of Oregon is a prestigious academic institution with a football program that is well-positioned for continued success in the future, and the search is underway to find another excellent football coach to lead and support our student-athletes moving forward.” An interim head coach for the Oregon football program will be determined as soon as possible. The Ducks have one more football game to play this season, the Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TX, Dec. 29, 6:15 p.m., against Oklahoma on ESPN.
Oregon Names Interim FB Coach
UO release – EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens has named Bryan McClendon interim head football coach for the upcoming Valero Alamo Bowl. McClendon is in his second season with the Ducks, serving as pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach. McClendon came to Oregon after spending four years as an assistant coach at South Carolina, including the final two as offensive coordinator. He began his coaching career at Georgia – his alma mater – from 2007 to 2015, earning a promotion to assistant head coach ahead of his final season with the Bulldogs. McClendon served as Georgia’s interim head coach for the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl. “We appreciate Coach McClendon agreeing to accept a leadership role in providing the best possible bowl experience for our student-athletes,” Mullens said. “His previous experience as an interim head coach is valuable for our program as we prepare for the Alamo Bowl, and we are grateful for his willingness to step up and assume this responsibility for Oregon football.” The No. 14 Ducks (10-3) will take on No. 16 Oklahoma (10-2) on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Alamodome (6:15 p.m. PT, ESPN).