Oregon has fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer after just seven games, the school announced Sunday. Dan Lanning promoted Mehringer after Will Stein left in the offseason, and the move was heavily criticized as the Ducks struggled on offense all year.
“Drew has been a valued member of this team since 2022, and I appreciate everything he has done for Oregon,” Lanning said in a statement. “He has played a huge role in what this program has accomplished over the past few seasons. This is a decision that I believe was in the best interest of our football program, as I believe new direction is needed to move our offense forward. I thank Drew for his efforts and wish him all the best.”
Last season, the Ducks ranked 11th nationally with 36.9 points per game, but that production dropped significantly under Mehringer’s watch. Oregon has scored an average of 33.1 points per game this fall, and that number is boosted by an 84-0 win over Portland State.
In the Big Ten, the Ducks have only topped 17 points once — a 41-27 win over USC in which quarterback Dante Moore went out with a concussion that sidelined him for the final three games. With Moore out of the lineup, Oregon averaged 14 points per game.
Moore’s injury is responsible for some, but not all, of these offensive woes. The Ducks appeared to have one of the best backup quarterback situations in the country with Dylan Raiola transferring from Nebraska, but he cost the team a win against UCLA and failed to do much in a 21-10 loss to Illinois on Sunday.
Oregon’s offensive performance against the Illini was the final straw for Mehringer as — even with the team down a few key offensive pieces — she should have been able to put points on the board. Illinois ranks 16th in the Big Ten in yards allowed per game (382.4) and 17th in passing yards allowed per game (248.0).
Lanning’s decision to promote Mehringer from co-offensive coordinator doesn’t seem any better, with Will Stein leading Kentucky to a 7-1 start in his first year on the job. The Wildcats are averaging 32.9 points per game with far fewer resources than the Ducks.
Looks like Lanning loyalty was a fatal flaw for Oregon this season, and the Ducks will have to start over at offensive coordinator in 2027.
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