Ex-Michigan coach Hoke new defensive coordinator at Oregon

Posted January 16, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke joined Oregon's staff Saturday as defensive coordinator.

Hoke replaces Don Pellum, who was defensive coordinator for two seasons and has returned to coaching linebackers for the Ducks.

Hoke coached the Wolverines for four seasons from 2011-14, going 31-20. He was the Maxwell Football Club national coach of the year in 2011.

"We are extremely excited to welcome coach Hoke to the Oregon family," Ducks coach Mark Helfrich said in a statement. "He's passionate, knowledgeable and tough, and has an outstanding track record of success from a defensive standpoint."

Under Hoke, Michigan's defense went from 110th in the nation to ranking within the top 17 in three of his four seasons. For his final season, the Wolverines were ranked seventh nationally, allowing 311.3 yards a game.

In addition to Michigan, Hoke also had stints as head coach at Ball State and San Diego State. He was an assistant at Oregon State from 1989-94.

Oregon went 9-4 this past season, the first time since 2007 that the Ducks have finished with fewer than 10 wins. The season was capped by a stunning triple-overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. The Ducks were up 31-0 at halftime, but the Horned Frogs rallied to win 47-41.

Oregon allowed a school-record 37.5 points per game.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.