Chip Kelly addresses rumors about OR coaching vacancy

As somebody who arrived on the OR football beat when Helfrich was hired four years ago, his dismissal made me wonder what went wrong from that innocent first press conference until his final, uncomfortable and awkward one on Sunday, two days before athletic director Rob Mullens finally appeared in person to keep Helfrich from having to continue speaking for his boss while recruiting players that Mullens would never let him coach.

As long as Kelly’s 49ers continue to struggle and OR has a vacant coaching position, he’s going to continue to get linked to the program.

Helfrich was sacked Tuesday evening following a meeting with Mullens, three days after the Ducks ended the season with the 34-24 loss to the rival Oregon State Beavers in the annual Civil War game.

On Wednesday afternoon, however, Kelly did his best to put the OR rumors to rest. “No one wanted Mark to be more successful than me but we were on a poor trajectory”. Helfrich issued a statement saying he was honored to have served at Oregon.

Other options include Central Florida coach Scott Frost, a former OR assistant, West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen, Boise State coach Bryan Harsin and Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck, the last of whom has led his squad to an undefeated mark and a possible Cotton Bowl bid this season. I love him like a brother. “He’s a tremendous person”. From 1977 to 2008, the Ducks had just two head football coaches – Rich Brooks and Bellotti.

“As a leader he’s (Helfrich’s) just a guy that would always step into the huddle and command respect”, Brad Eaton, a Center with the Raiders from 1992 to 1996 said. “When it happens, you’re still taken aback”.

Nike founder – and Duck alum – Phil Knight has reportedly pledged $10 million per year salary if the Ducks can find the right head coach.

Kelly said he and Helfrich talked Wednesday morning after the news broke. The Ducks were 11-2 in their first season under Helfrich, who took over after former coach Chip Kelly left for the NFL.

Asked Wednesday if he would remain with the 49ers, Kelly said, “Yep”. Two years ago is irrelevant; today is what matters, and today OR is dealing with the fallout from its first losing season since 2004.

KOIN 6 News spoke to students about Helfrich’s firing, and many said they’d miss him.

The decision comes after days of speculation on Helfrich’s future.

The Niners suffered a franchise-record 10th straight loss Sunday to the Dolphins, dropping Kelly’s record to 27-31 in just over 3 1/2 National Football League seasons. “I’m not looking to go back and that’s what I’ve always said”. “So we can talk about the Bears. The team doesn’t know who’ll coach them next”.