Who do the Oregon Ducks hire as the next offensive coordinator?

Who do the Oregon Ducks hire as the next offensive coordinator?Story byZachary Neel, Ducks WireTue, December 2, 2025 at 1:55 AM UTC·3 min read

Another year, another coaching vacancy for Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning to fill.

While the Ducks were able to keep both offensive coordinator Will Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi in the fold this past offseason, it appears that both are going to be leaving Eugene this offseason. One move was made official on Monday afternoon, with Stein accepting the head coaching position for the Kentucky Wildcats, moving back to his home state, where he grew up.

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During his three years with the Ducks, Stein has developed a reputation as a bit of a quarterback whisperer, sending both Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel to New York as Heisman Trophy finalists. While the 2025 finalists have not yet been announced, there is a chance that Dante Moore gets an invite as well, though he may be on the outside looking in among serious contenders.

The Ducks’ offense has been electric and versatile once again this year under Stein, who has kept the ship afloat despite dealing with numerous injuries to starting players over the past couple of months.

Now it's time for Lanning to figure out how to replace that production.

During his time in Eugene, Lanning has hit constant home runs in the hiring process, consistently maintaining or improving after hiring new coaches each and every year. So who will he turn to in order to fill Stein's vacancy? Here are some early names to know:

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Note: This list will be edited and updated as we hear of more candidates becoming available.

Oregon Ducks RB Coach Ra'Shaad Samples

Oregon running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples sprays players during practice with the Oregon Ducks Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.

Ra'Shaad Samples is one of the top young coaches in all of college football, and it feels like he has been groomed for this position, whenever it became open. While he has never called plays before, Lanning trusts him on this staff and has talked about how bright a future he has as a head coach in the coming years. If the Ducks are to keep things in-house and avoid an outside hire, Samples feels like the obvious choice.

UCLA Offensive Coordinator Jerry Neuheisel

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel celebrates the touchdown scored by running back Anthony Woods (6) against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

One of the stars of the year in college football has been UCLA offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, who has grown into an almost household name in certain circles after helping to turn around the Bruins as the interim offensive coordinator this season following the departure of head coach DaShaun Foster. The West Coast playcaller sparked a ton of excitement in Westwood, helping to spur on an upset victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions earlier in the year.

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Former Michigan State Head Coach Jonathan Smith

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith watches his team's game against Michigan during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Yes, this may be a completely insane name to add to the list, I am aware. However, Smith is a great track record of quarterback development and offensive play-calling, and he was recently let go from the Michigan State Spartans. Before his stint in East Lansing, Smith was very successful at Oregon State. Could he be looking to get back into the coordinator game before trying his hand as a head coach? Again, this one is probably lower on the list of possibilities, but it felt worth mentioning.

Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Buster Faulkner

Southern Miss offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner coaches during the first day of spring practice in Hattiesburg on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Usm Spring Football Day 2

Buster Faulkner is a name to watch here, as he has found some great success with Georgia Tech this year, helping the Yellow Jackets produce the No. 31 scoring offense, and No. 20 total offense this year. Faulkner also worked with Lanning with the Georgia Bulldogs a few years ago, so there is a connection and familiarity there.

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North Texas Mean Green Offensive Coordinator Jordan Davis

Sep 20, 2025; West Point, New York, USA; North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) looks to pass against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

One of the top offensive names to know in the coordinator carousel this year is North Texas Mean Green OC Jordan Davis, who is responsible for producing the No. 1 total offense and No. 1 scoring offense in the nation this year. With North Texas head coach Eric Morris taking over as the head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys this offseason, it could be time for Davis to find a new spot as well.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks' OC Hot Board following Will Stein departure

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