After Drew Mehringer firing, who will call plays for Oregon offense?

Following the unexpected firing of offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer on Monday Oct. 26, Oregon football coach Dan Lanning addressed the decision during his press conference. The Ducks are currently sitting at 4-3 overall, with a 2-2 record in the Big Ten conference. Lanning expressed that the move was necessary in order to generate a spark for an offense that has been struggling without their starting quarterback, Dante Moore.

He expressed gratitude towards Mehringer for his contributions over the years, but acknowledged that the team needed to find a solution to salvage the season.

Lanning announced that assistant quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson would assume primary play calling duties for the remainder of the season. Johnson, who has significant offensive play calling experience from his time at Michigan State and Colorado, brings a new perspective to the position. Lanning emphasized that Johnson can provide different strategies that may lead to success on the offensive side of the ball.

The coach stated that the decision to relieve Mehringer was on his mind for several weeks, but he wanted to give the staff the opportunity to be successful before making any changes.

The Ducks' offensive struggles have been evident in recent matchups, including a 21-10 loss to Illinois where the offense was shut out in the second half. Lanning highlighted the need to improve on schedule management, third down efficiency, running the ball, and moving the ball down the field. Work has already begun to identify a full-time offensive coordinator, although Lanning does not expect an announcement to be made in the near future.

He emphasized that a thorough evaluation process is underway and that making a decision will depend on the football cycle. Former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, currently the offensive coordinator for Northwestern, will be back in Eugene this week for the Ducks' game against the Wildcats at Autzen Stadium.