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5 potential replacements for Mark Helfrich at Oregon

By John Buhler

Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich walks onto the field before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich walks onto the field before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin calls out to his players before the start of their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin calls out to his players before the start of their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Lane Kiffin, Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator

It’s been a long time since we could say this, but it’s great to be Lane Kiffin. He has reinvented himself as one of the very best offensive coordinators in college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide are on the verge of another National Championship season and Kiffin could turn that into another head coaching gig.

Kiffin has come a long way since being left on the tarmac after his USC Trojans lost a stinker to the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2012. He would go to Tuscaloosa to replace Doug Nussmeier on Nick Saban’s staff and has made Alabama more than just a defensive powerhouse. The Crimson Tide have well-designed plays thanks to Kiffin.

It’s great to be Kiffin in 2016 because his college football employment opportunities are out the Wazoo. He could stay in Tuscaloosa, join his good friend Ed Orgeron’s staff in Baton Rouge, or pursue another head coaching gig at either Houston, Oregon, or Purdue.

Kiffin isn’t the most personable guy, but neither was Chip Kelly. His game planning and on-field execution could make him a star in Eugene instantly. Kiffin is a strong recruiter and would be a guy worth the hefty some Knight would be willing to pay.

Best of all for the Ducks, Kiffin would have to harbor some sort of resentment towards USC. Should the Ducks get back to good under Kiffin, the Trojans will be the team Oregon will frequently play in the Pac-12 Championship.

If Oregon is willing to overlook to bridges Kiffin burned in Oakland, Knoxville, and Los Angeles, he could be the home-run hire the Ducks could be looking for.

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