Oregon has fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer after seven games, as head coach Dan Lanning looks for answers to the Ducks' persistent offensive problems.
The university announced the decision Sunday following a 21-10 loss to Illinois, a performance that added to growing concerns about Oregon's ability to generate points consistently. Mehringer had been promoted during the offseason after Will Stein left the program, but the offense struggled to maintain the production it delivered a year earlier.
Lanning said the decision was made to give the offense a fresh direction.
"Drew has been a valued member of this staff since 2022, and I am appreciative of everything he's done for Oregon," Lanning said in a statement. He credited Mehringer's contributions to the program before explaining that a change was necessary to help the offense move forward.
Oregon's Scoring Production Takes a Step Back
Oregon's offensive decline has been one of the major concerns of its season.
The Ducks averaged 36.9 points per game last year, ranking 11th nationally. This season, their average has fallen to 33.1 points per game, although that figure is boosted by an 84-0 victory over Portland State.
The numbers have been considerably less impressive in Big Ten competition. Oregon has scored more than 17 points just once in conference play, putting up 41 points in a victory over USC.
That game also marked the last time quarterback Dante Moore played before suffering a concussion that sidelined him for the following three games.
Moore's absence has clearly affected the offense, but the team's difficulties have extended beyond the quarterback injury. Oregon has struggled to find reliable production and maintain momentum against conference opponents.
Quarterback Injuries Expose Oregon's Offensive Problems
With Moore unavailable, Oregon turned to Dylan Raiola, who transferred from Nebraska and was expected to provide an experienced alternative at quarterback.
However, Raiola's performances have not consistently delivered the results the Ducks needed. According to the supplied report, he contributed to a costly defeat against UCLA and struggled again in the loss to Illinois.
Oregon managed just 14 points per game during Moore's absence, highlighting how much the offense has struggled without its starting quarterback.
Although injuries and missing personnel have complicated the situation, the coaching staff still faced expectations of producing a more effective offensive game plan.
The defeat against Illinois ultimately became the breaking point for Mehringer. The Fighting Illini entered the matchup ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in total defense and passing defense, yet Oregon managed only 10 points.
For a program with Oregon's resources and ambitions, that offensive output intensified the pressure for change.
Will Stein's Success at Kentucky Adds to the Contrast
The coaching decision also draws attention to Oregon's offseason staff changes.
Lanning promoted Mehringer from his previous role as co-offensive coordinator after Stein departed for Kentucky. That decision has attracted criticism as the Ducks' offense has struggled.
Stein, meanwhile, has helped Kentucky make a strong start to his first season, with the Wildcats opening at 7-1 and averaging 32.9 points per game, according to the supplied report.
Kentucky operates with considerably fewer resources than Oregon, making the comparison particularly notable. However, differences in personnel, schedules and circumstances also matter when evaluating the performance of the two offenses.
The contrast nevertheless adds to questions about whether Oregon made the right decision when reorganizing its coaching staff.
Dan Lanning Must Find a New Offensive Direction
Mehringer's departure leaves Lanning facing another important decision about the future of Oregon's offense.
The Ducks entered the season expecting to remain among the nation's most productive teams. Instead, inconsistent scoring, quarterback injuries and disappointing conference performances have put the offensive coaching structure under scrutiny.
Lanning acknowledged that the program needed a different approach, but changing coordinators alone will not automatically resolve every issue. Oregon must also improve its execution, adjust to personnel changes and find ways to produce consistently against Big Ten opponents.
The next steps will be especially important as the program prepares for the future and considers its offensive leadership for 2027.
Oregon's Offseason Planning Starts Early
Firing Mehringer after only seven games represents a significant midseason adjustment for Lanning and the Ducks.
The decision reflects the urgency surrounding an offense that has failed to meet expectations, particularly in conference play. Moore's injury has been a major factor, but the loss to Illinois demonstrated that Oregon's problems cannot be attributed to one player alone.
The Ducks will now need to stabilize their offense, make the most of the players available and determine who will lead the unit moving forward.
For Lanning, the challenge is not simply finding a new coordinator. It is ensuring Oregon returns to the level of offensive production expected from a program competing for major college football honors.
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