It's been over fourteen years since Chip left to coach in the NFL. After a few unsuccessful head coaching stops he went back to what has always been his natural calling as an Offensive Coordinator. After a few years back at OC, it looks like this is what he wants to do at this point.

Up until now I always scoffed at the idea of bringing him back both because I thought he'd bolt at the first chance to move up to head coach and also the power struggle he could create being one of the most successful coaches in UO history. But as he seems to be settling in with OC contentment, these concerns have faded with me.

Also after so many years of coaching different teams with different personnel types, he seems comfortable with changing his plan to match his players rather than forcing the players to match his plan. Watching Northwestern's offense come to life with him in charge, has been highly entertaining.

Chip always talks fondly of his time with the Ducks. His lack of enthusiasm for recruiting could be off set by the emergence of GMs and NIL. It seems like this would be a win win type of situation. Probably will never happen but it also kind of seems like it should. Thoughts?

Worth considering. Example…Texas DC is Will Muschamp, former HC. Will Venables at Oklahoma is a great DC. Hemay be available. Lots of folks over their skis as head coached but are great assistants.

If I recall correctly the Chipster was not particularly fond of living in Eugene.

Does anyone remember otherwise?

It would surprise me if Coach Lanning replaces Coach Mehringer or supersedes Mehringer’s role.

Mehringer had a rough start, but I thought he called pretty good games the last two weeks. As long as he keeps improving, Oregon will be fine.

If we determine we can't win the big one with our OC at some point, then sure, Riley or Kelly are great options if available.

We are only a quarter of a season through with our new OC who is showing a promising amount improvement though.

It’s not the worst idea. The last few years the most common thread behind OBD’s losses have been opposing coaches that were long in experience.

Chip coaches outside and inside zone well, but I'm not ready for a retread....

I'm honestly less concerned about bringing Chip Kelly back than I am about what is happening on the other side of the ball. I'm starting to wonder whether Chris Hampton may simply be in over his head as a full-time DC. Oregon is loaded with defensive talent, yet against its three FBS opponents this season the Ducks are giving up 31 points and nearly 425 yards per game. There are some bright spots, particularly third-down defense and turnovers, but this doesn't look like what a Dan Lanning defense with this much talent should look like.

If I were talking about making a coordinator change, defensive coordinator is where I'd be looking. And Oregon wouldn't exactly be short on possibilities. Bryant Haines at Indiana would be near the top of my list. Glenn Schumann would be the dream reunion with Lanning. Pete Kwiatkowski would be an incredibly interesting veteran hire. Zach Arnett is a proven SEC defensive mind. Phil Parker would be a home run if you could ever pry him away from Iowa. I'd even call retired Iowa State DC Jon Heacock and ask if one last run at a national championship sounded fun. And if Lanning wanted to dig into the FCS ranks, guys like Bobby Daly at Montana State deserve a serious look.

Chip Kelly would be fun to talk about, but offense isn't the side of the ball keeping me up at night right now.