Oregon’s hole at defensive coordinator has been plugged. Don Pellum will be promoted to the job after serving as linebackers coach for the Ducks. According to The Oregonian, the hire has not become official and may not until later in the weekend or Monday, but it is the move that will be made by the university.
Pellum succeeds Nick Aliotti, who resigned at the conclusion of the 2013 season. He will take over a defense that ranked third in the Pac 12 in total defense and second in scoring defense in 2013. Oregon may be known for their offense, but their defense is capable of using speed to their advantage as much as any team they will run in to.
Considering how long Pellum, a former starting linebacker for the Ducks, has been a part of the coaching staff at Oregon, this is a long overdue promotion.
Pellum’s spot as linebackers coach will be filled by Erik Chinander, who will join the program after one year with the Philadelphia Eagles and former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly. Chinander joined Kelly in Philadelphia after serving as a defensive assistant at Oregon for Kelly.
Oregon considered bringing in new coaches from outside the program, but head coach Mark Helfrich opted to stay close to home. The unity of the coaching staff can be an asset, especially when it comes to recruiting. Given Pellum’s experience leading the recruiting charge for Oregon, that is a good decision.
Photo: Oregon Athletics