*This article is Part I of a two part series that takes a closer looker at the head coaches in the College Football National Championship game.
A barrage of skepticism and doubt faced Mark Helfrich when he was elevated from offensive coordinator to head coach of the Oregon Ducks two years ago after Chip Kelly departed for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Helfrich was written off as a little league coach that had very little to do with Kelly’s remarkable success at Oregon where he went 46-7 during his four years on the job with a dominant Pac 12 Conference record of 33-3.
Stark Contrast
Kelly had a brash and dynamic personality that took over any room he entered. To many, the mild mannered Helfrich seemed too “small” for the job as Kelly’s offensive coordinator that really didn’t coordinate it. But after a “disappointing” 11-2 rookie season as head coach and an alarming 31-24 home loss to Arizona on Oct. 2, Helfrich has emerged from the shadow of Kelly as he has led the Ducks into Monday night’s national championship game in Arlington, Texas against Ohio State.
Defining Moment
After Oregon’s loss to Arizona, Helfrich came under intense fire and criticism by fans and media alike. It was said he was not big enough for the job. It proved to be the ultimate fork in the road moment for a program and coach that have in many ways revolutionized college football. Helfrich and the Ducks could have collapsed in the face of such pressure as they prepared to play at UCLA, a team that was the trendy pick to win the Pac 12 title.
But the Ducks remained calm and, in turning around their season, it was the cool and steady demeanor of Helfrich that proved to be the difference. Oregon followed the calm lead of their coach and took apart the Bruins 42-20 in a win that defined their season. The Ducks would roll from there and went on to win their final nine games of the season which ended in a 59-20 blowout revenge win over Arizona in the Pac 12 Championship Game.
Following a Legend
While many coaches are no doubt envious and jealous of Helfrich for inheriting the riches of the Phil Knight, Nike backed Oregon program, part of those riches include the pressure of following in the large footsteps of Kelly. Helfrich could have cracked under the pressure of comparisons to Kelly and the demands of the fans for a first ever national championship. Instead he has proven to be the steady, reliable, and respected leader that has been a perfect fit. It is now Helfrich instead of Kelly who can lead the Ducks to their first ever national title.
Helfrich had the wisdom to not even try to imitate Kelly, but to instead be himself. He has proven to be quite comfortable and self-secure in his own skin and his players respect that.
“He’s himself, and that’s what works for him and what works for us,” said lineman Jake Fisher. “That’s why we respect him so much. He doesn’t try to be something that he’s not.”
A Revolutionary Program with a Winning Infrastructure
Whether you hate or love Knight and Nike, there is no denying their impact on this once obscure and mediocre Oregon program that wallowed in the Pac 12 shadows under such teams as USC, UCLA, and nearby Washington. The flashy uniforms, the neon shoes, the world class training facilities, and the potential of future fall-back jobs at Nike are all attractions for top-shelf recruits to Oregon. In essence, Knight created the role of being the first “owner” in college football that has since been emulated by T. Boone Pickens at Oklahoma State and Under Armour’s Kevin Plank.
Helfrich Fits
The Oregon football program is at a point in time where it can sell itself. The mild mannered Helfrich has become a perfect fit for the Ducks. Helfrich keeps the team calm and focused as he knows he has a winner both in the leadership of the program and with five star recruits on the field. Oregon and Helfrich form a relationship that may become among the most successful in college football.
