Oregon's decision to fire Mark Helfrich despite the fact he led the Ducks to the first College Football Playoff championship in 2014 isn’t surprising.
Oregon lost to Washington for the first time since 2003, then watched the Huskies win the Pac-12 North this year. The Ducks lost to rival Oregon State for the first time since 2007. When things like that happen, moves like the one Oregon made Tuesday follow.
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The Ducks’ two-year decline from 9-4 to 4-8 is staggering, however. The next coach will be tasked with re-establishing that standard while fitting in with Oregon’s unique and very lucrative brand.