Dan Lanning is running out of excuses, and Oregon’s offense is becoming an embarrassment. On October 24, the Ducks blew a 10-0 lead against Illinois and went scoreless the rest of the game, suffering an ugly 21-10 loss. At 4-3, injuries can no longer explain everything. The coaching staff is under fire, and Lanning knows something has to change.
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The University of Oregon head coach has been hinting at changes since the UCLA loss on October 10, when he said that “everything’s being evaluated.” When questioned about the offense and calls for offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer’s job, Lanning pointed to execution, efficiency, and the team’s week-to-week performance.
“I think all things are on the table for us to make sure that we’re the best version of ourselves, and we’re currently not that. That’s very clear,” Lanning said when asked about considering changes at OC, per Ducks beat writer Ryan Clarke.
Lanning stopped short of directly threatening anyone’s job. However, his willingness to consider all options raised fresh questions about Mehringer’s future as offensive coordinator. He was promoted after Will Stein left for Kentucky, stepping into a role weighed down by national championship expectations. He also had the task of getting the best out of star quarterback Dante Moore. Stein had left behind one of the most explosive offenses in the country, but Mehringer’s transition has been shaky, to say the least.
The warning signs appeared early in Oregon’s 39-31 loss to Oklahoma State on September 12, when the Ducks managed just 281 total yards despite scoring 31 points. Since then, the unit has only regressed, bottoming out in a messy, seven-turnover collapse against UCLA and a lifeless 10-point showing against Illinois that has left the Ducks’ season in jeopardy.
Oregon briefly bounced back, scoring 84 against Portland State and 41 in a road victory over USC. But that offensive momentum disappeared. The Ducks managed just 15 points against UCLA, scraped past Nebraska 17-14, and scored only 10 against Illinois. That’s three consecutive games with 17 or fewer points, totaling just 42 points and averaging a miserable 14 per contest. With three losses in seven games, Mehringer is facing growing pressure to fix Oregon’s struggling offense.
Against UCLA, Oregon managed 272 yards, including 73 rushing yards, converted just one of 12 third downs, and committed seven turnovers. Lanning subsequently acknowledged that play-calling and preparation were under review, mentioning that he was spending more time on the offensive side of the ball.
Injuries have also complicated matters. Moore missed his third straight game after suffering a concussion during Oregon’s September 26 victory over USC. Leading receiver Evan Stewart was also sidelined, leaving the Ducks without two key offensive players against Illinois. Quarterback Dylan Raiola finished 27-of-41 for 246 yards, including a late 36-yard completion.
“We’ve got to evaluate exactly who we are,” Lanning said, according to Rob Moseley of GoDucks. “Each person’s got to look in their heart and respond, and say exactly what they want to go attack and what they can improve and get better. And that’s really where the focus has to be.”
Oregon’s struggles were particularly frustrating against Illinois because the Ducks started strongly. Their opening drive covered 75 yards in 11 plays, ending with a Jordon Davison touchdown. Gage Hurych then added a field goal to establish a 10-0 lead. Davison finished with 92 rushing yards, while Dierre Hill Jr. contributed 83. However, the Ducks could not maintain that momentum.
That late-game offensive production, which helped Oregon outgain the Nebraska Huskers 151-32 in the fourth quarter, was nowhere to be found against Illinois, which completely controlled the second half. They held the Ducks to zero points, controlling possession for 18:36.
“Credit to Illinois, thought they were the tougher team today,” Lanning continued. “That definitely showed up in the second half. Kind of the tale of two halves. We weren’t efficient enough on either side of the ball.”
Illinois entered the matchup at 3-3 without starting quarterback Katin Houser, forcing freshman Michael Clayton II into the starting role. Despite that disadvantage, the Illini responded to Oregon’s early field goal with a 75-yard touchdown run on their next offensive play. They added scores in the third and fourth quarters, with Clayton’s late throw to Collin Dixon sealing the victory.
And Oregon has little room for further mistakes. Northwestern visits Autzen Stadium on October 31, followed by a trip to Ohio State on November 7. Michigan, Michigan State, and Washington complete the remaining schedule. With several difficult matchups approaching, Lanning must determine whether the current offensive approach can deliver results or whether more significant changes are necessary.