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State of the Oregon Ducks Part II: Is Mark Helfrich the Man for the Job?

By Joshua Williams

Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich reacts during the 2016 Alamo Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich reacts during the 2016 Alamo Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Ducks have not fired a Head Coach in a long time, choosing to promote from within for the better part of three decades.

In this 2 Part series we take a look at the State of the Ducks football team.

The clamor around Duck’s head coach Mark Helfrich continues to grow. It seems that each new day brings another hint that all is not right within the program. Be it players publicly calling out their teammates or former alums and prominent media members questioning Helfrich’s coaching acumen. In response to the noise Athletic Director Rob Mullens appeared on a University run radio program to field a few softball questions. He was diplomatic in addressing fan’s concerns and offered up his support, though somewhat ambiguously, for the current coaching staff. However others within the Athletic Department and some outside of it have taken a more defensive stance. Preferring to dismiss concerns and accuse fans of being spoiled and lacking perspective.

"But if we want to hold up Mark Helfrich’s achievements as reason why he deserves more time, it’s only fair that we look at all of his achievements."

The most ardent supporters of Helfrich reason that it would be stupid and short sighted to fire a head coach after one bad season (I agree). They argue that Helfrich deserves a chance to turn it around. Especially when you consider he coached the team to their most successful and accomplished season ever. Under Helfrich, the Ducks recorded their greatest victory, beating reigning champ Florida State by about 1 billion points. Under Helfrich the Ducks made it into the inaugural CFB playoffs, won the Rose Bowl and played in the Championship game. Under Helfrich, Marcus Mariota (who Helfrich recruited) won the Heisman Trophy. Oregon’s first Heisman Trophy winner.

All of that is undeniably true. And Helfrich does deserve a great deal of credit for those accomplishments. But if we want to hold up Mark Helfrich’s achievements as reason why he deserves more time, it’s only fair that we look at all of his achievements.

State of the Ducks: List of Accomplishments

  • In 2013 Mark Helfrich took over for Chip Kelly. At that point the Ducks had a record of 46-7 (33-3 in conference play) for the past 4 years.
  • In Helfrich’s first year the Ducks went 11-2 with loses to Stanford and Arizona. For the first time in 4 years they failed to reach a BCS bowl. A minor but non unexpected setback.

    • In 2014 Helfrich promoted line backers coach Don Pellum to Defensive Coordinator.

  • In 2015 The Ducks, having not developed a QB to replace Mariota after 3 years, turned to FCS star Vernon Adams as a one year quarterback solution.
  • Against FCS Eastern Washington (Adams’ former team) the Ducks allowed Eagles receiver Cooper Kupp to set the all time receptions and receiving yards records inside Autzen Stadium.
  • In the conference opener vs Utah the Ducks gave up 62 points at home. The most points ever scored inside Autzen Stadium.
  • The Ducks let slip a 14 point 4th quarter lead at home and lost to Washington State University for the first time in 8 years.
    • After building a 31-0 lead over TCU (who was playing with their backup QB) in the Alamo Bowl. The Ducks lost 47-41 in double overtime. Matching the largest bowl game collapse in NCAA history.

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  • Oregon’s Defense ended the season ranked 115th (out of 128 teams) their worst defensive ranking ever.
  • Oregon dropped out of the AP top 25 for this first time since 2008

    • Helfrich chose not to fire Pellum but to demote him back to his old position

    Helfrich hired former Michigan coach Brady Hoke as Defensive Coordinator, despite Hoke having no experience calling defensive plays.

  • To start the 2016 season, Oregon started a 2nd FCS transfer at QB.
  • Oregon lost back to back games, vs Nebraska and Colorado. Their first 2 game losing streak in 9 years.
  • Oregon allowed Washington State to rush for 6 touchdowns. The Cougars most rushing touchdowns in a game since 1994.
  • Ducks lost 3 games in a row (Colorado, WSU, Nebraska) for the first time in 9 years.
  • Ducks losing streak reached 4 games as they were blown out by Washington at home.
  • Ducks lost to Washington for the first time in 12 years.
  • Ducks surrendered 70 points at home, the most ever since, well since Utah put up 62.
  • Ducks surrendered their most points (70) since before WWII.
  • At the midway point of the season the Ducks defense ranks dead last 128 out of 128.

    • "What’s so troubling about the “one bad year” argument is that all of the problems we are seeing with this current Ducks team, during their one bad year, were there last year. The problems were just masked by Vernon Adams remarkable play."

    With the 2nd half of the season still to come, it’s entirely possible that Helfrich’s list of achievements will continue to grow. There’s a very real chance that the Ducks will go winless in conference play for the first time since 1974 and fail to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2004.

    Should One Bad Season Unravel It?

    It is, of course, not fair to judge a coach on the accomplishments of one bad season. Those calling for patience are quick to fall back on the one bad season argument. They say, “really, all this is is just one bad year and every team has a bad year here and there.”

    What’s so troubling about the “one bad year” argument is that all of the problems we are seeing with this current Ducks team, during their one bad year, were there last year. The problems were just masked by Vernon Adams’ remarkable play (truly not appreciated enough by Duck fans).

    “The Ducks were a broken finger away from 11-2,” the apologists like to crow. But if we are playing the “what if” game it’s only fair that we look at the other side of the coin. What if Vernon Adams’ injury kept him out longer? What if he never passed that much discussed math class? What if he never came to the program in the first place? How would the Ducks have fared then? Vernon Adams single handedly elevated what was in reality a 3 or 4 win team. If that’s not an indictment of the coaches, well then…

    In many respects this is the 2nd down year in a row. The 2nd year with one of the worst defenses in the country (actually the very worst). The 2nd year in which there was no quarterback developed and ready to play. The 2nd year where the Ducks have suffered multiple embarrassing losses. The 2nd year in which the Ducks have seen their records fall. All of which, falls squarely on the shoulders of the head coach.

    Next: State Of The Ducks, Part I: Let's Talk Perspective

    Even while accounting for the 2014 season it’s hard to look at Helfrich’s record and his list of accomplishments and think that what we are seeing play out is just a down year. Instead it seems more likely that what we are seeing is a down trend of embarrassing defense, sloppy all around play, lack of player development and discipline. And of course questionable coaching decisions. And right now there’s nothing to say the trend won’t continue.

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