Mike Bellotti Steps Down at Oregon

by John Berkowitz on Mar 13, 2009 2:10 PM PDT Comment 12 comments

The Mike Bellotti era is officially over for the University of Oregon football team.

UO President Dave Frohnmayer announced today that Bellotti will become athletic director on July 1. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will take over as head coach at the beginning of spring practice on March 30, following the succession plan UO announced in December.

Between March 30 and July 1, Bellotti will serve as Senior Counselor to current athletic director Pat Kilkenny, who will step down on June 30.

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Wow.

by zeeehjee on Mar 13, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

NEW DAWG

Ever since he reeled in an offer from Washington, rumors have flown that Auburn LB Chris Young had already committed to the Dawgs. Those rumors proved false, but on Friday afternoon, Young’s father confirmed that his son intends to commit to the Husky coaching staff this evening

by Go Dawgs on Mar 13, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

Great pick up if its true

not to say you are wrong but if this happens it will be another great pick up for Sark & Co. Nice sized kid. Can’t wait to see film on him.

by bigdave967 on Mar 13, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I knew something was fishy.

When the orignal announcement came in December it seem unorganized and a spur of the moment deal. I still have a lingering conspiracy theory attitude that Bellotti might not have chosen this timing.

I do believe beyond any shadow of a doubt that Oregon planned this to become official after signing day.

"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"

by Lear Pilot on Mar 13, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

Many of us remember what Oregon was before Belotti

….despite the strong finish of Rich Brooks. The fact that Belotti only had one losing season is remarkable given the history of that program. The fact that he never took the team to the Rose Bowl is even more astonishing.

"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.

by Gekko Mojo on Mar 13, 2009 3:32 PM PDT reply actions

Oregon vs. Penn State

Mike Belotti got Oregon to the Rose Bowl, or was it Rich Brooks. Hell I’m drawing a brain fart right now and can’t remember. Maybe they need to put me out to pasture. I think I’m losing it.

Yes Belotti has had a good run and I am glad they are bringing in a spread offensive guy in Kelly to replace him. This next season is Oregon’s last opportunity to finally beat USC. If they don’t do it this year then it won’t happen for quite a long time.

Belotti, you’ve became a bur under my saddle, I lost all respect for the program once Joey Harrington graduated. But respect is still there and I hate him and them for that.

All I saw was purple

by crazidawg on Mar 13, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions

brooks got them to the rose bowl in 95.

"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.

by Gekko Mojo on Mar 13, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

This was Bellotti's call 100%

by John Berkowitz on Mar 13, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions

A little sleasy

Belotti was a great coach, but I question his stepping down after LOI day. I don’t know what he told HS seniors this year, but it did appear that he would step down soon. If he wants to quit, why not do it at the end of the season, rather than after the new kids are committed? Maybe he and Lute Olson should go into business together.

by dawgdude on Mar 13, 2009 5:48 PM PDT reply actions

Ernie Kent?

Is this good or bad news for Kent? There has been much speculation about a new coach for the new arena. A new AD may not want to fire a long running coach, especially if they are friends.

by dawgdude on Mar 13, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions