Oregon’s defense will have a new look in spring practice, with a new coordinator prowling the sideline and a new scheme being installed.
Former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke was hired Saturday as defensive coordinator, replacing Don Pellum, who is remaining with the staff as linebackers coach. A long-time defensive assistant before his three head coaching stops, Hoke has favored a 4-3 front that will be the Ducks’ base defense for 2016, a departure from the 3-4 front installed in 2009.
UO coach Mark Helfrich spoke Saturday evening with media who cover the Ducks, for the first time since announcing Pellum’s reassignment and to comment on Hoke’s hiring.