Oregon's Future In Good Hands

It’s hard to imagine Oregon football without Mike Bellotti. But for the first time in nearly 15 years, the Ducks might be without the man who has come to personify football in Eugene.

Bellotti’s possible departure from the coaching sidelines has been well known since December, when he named offensive coordinator Chip Kelly as his eventual successor. But the scenario seems more realistic now after the 14-year head coach recently told the Portland Tribune that he will make a decision by spring ball about whether to come back for another round at Oregon.

Even though Bellotti will remain a fixture on campus as the school’s new athletic director when he steps down from coaching, it will be a sad day for the Pac-10 if he decides to leave. The 58-year-old coach helped put the Ducks on the map and made them consistent contenders in the conference.

But even though they will surely miss him, Oregon fans won’t be forlorn if Bellotti decides not to come back.

Kelly is considered one of the brightest minds in college football and was a popular name for a number of coaching openings before Bellotti arranged the succession plan. The former coach of New Hampshire employs a sophisticated spread offense that can attack defenses in a number of ways. And after playing musical quarterbacks because of a rash of injuries early last season, the Ducks’ offense settled down to become one of the country’s most potent attacks.

After watching Oregon rack up 694 total yards against Oregon State in the Civil War, followed by a stomping of Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl, there’s little doubt that Kelly has the potential to keep the Ducks rolling.

As far as Bellotti’s future is concerned, it’s hard to tell if he will return for another season. He told the Portland Tribune that he was now leaning one way after having been “50-50,” but he wouldn’t say which decision seems more attractive.

If he does leave, Kelly will be put on the spot and have to make a quick transition. But Bellotti is hardly leaving the cupboard empty. Oregon not only returns junior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli but also senior running back LeGarrette Blount to form one of the nation’s most potent backfield duos. Both the offensive and defensive lines will have to be reshuffled, but the Ducks should be able to find capable replacements.

And in a year in which the Pac-10 may be as open for the taking as it’s been in some time, the Ducks have to feel fairly comfortable. USC, Cal and Oregon State all visit Autzen Stadium. The opener on the road against Boise State will surely be a test, but the next toughest team the Ducks face away from home is either Arizona or UCLA.

So while it might be fun to see Bellotti make one last push, perhaps it’s time to make a nod to the future.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz is a junior at the University of Southern California majoring in print journalism and working as a football reporter for the Daily Trojan. He covers the Pac-10 for the National Football Post.

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