Fansided

Best college football coach in history from each state

By Nathaniel Reeves

TUSCALOOSA, AL - CIRCA 1958-1982: Paul Bryant, head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team observes the play during a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Alabama) (Photo by University of Alabama/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - CIRCA 1958-1982: Paul Bryant, head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team observes the play during a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Alabama) (Photo by University of Alabama/Collegiate Images/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 30: Head Coach Mike Bellotti of the University of Oregon Ducks looks on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma State University Cowboys during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 30: Head Coach Mike Bellotti of the University of Oregon Ducks looks on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma State University Cowboys during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Oregon: Mike Bellotti 

While Chip Kelly took the Ducks to new heights, Bellotti deserves more credit for initially turning the program around and setting the stage.

Bellotti earned all-conference honors as a wide receiver and tight end at UC Davis from 1970 to 1972 before the Aggies hired him as an assistant upon graduation. Following three more stops as an assistant and unsuccessful four-year tenure as head coach of Chico State, Bellotti was hired as the offensive coordinator at Oregon in 1989.

The Ducks had long been one of the worst programs in the Pac-10. but had one of the best seasons to date in school history in 1994 with a 9-4 record and appearance in the Rose Bowl. After head coach Rich Brooks left for the St. Louis Rams the following offseason, the Ducks promoted Bellotti, who put together the best runs of success ever for the program.

Bellotti had the Ducks in national contention by 2000 with a 10-2 record and followed that up with the best season yet for the program by finishing at 11-1 with a No. 2 ranking in the AP Poll. Oregon would finish with nine or more victories three additional times under Bellotti up until his retirement in 2008, including another top 10 finish in his final season.

While serving as athletic director, Bellotti hired Kelly, who went 46-7 with four major bowl appearances but only stuck around Oregon until 2012. Although Mike Riley deserves similar credit for turning around rival Oregon State, he falls short of matching Bellotti’s accomplishments.

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