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Ryan Switzer, Ross Douglas reunite as friends on Oregon coaching staff
TL;DR
Ryan Switzer has joined the Oregon Ducks coaching staff as an offensive analyst following the promotion of Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton to coordinator roles. This change comes after successful seasons and aims to maintain consistency as the team targets a Big Ten and national championship.
There was more change than usual behind the scenes for the Oregon Ducks this offseason, not because of poor performances, but rather as a consequence of success.
Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi both left the program for head coaching opportunities at Kentucky and Cal, respectively, vacating both coordinator roles under Dan Lanning. The Ducks quickly chose to promote from within, elevating Drew Mehringer to offensive coordinator and Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator.
The move was made to maintain consistency with a core group of returning players with the common goal of competing for a Big Ten and national championship next season. Still, there were other roles to backfill, leading to a surprise hire that some college football fans might recognize.
Ryan Switzer was brought aboard as an offensive analyst for the Ducks after previously serving as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at Tulsa. Switzer played three seasons in the NFL after becoming a fan-favorite receiver at North Carolina. He had 2,912 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in four seasons with the Tar Heels. Switzer made a name for himself as a dynamic return man, tying the NCAA single-season record with five return touchdowns as a freshman and earning First-Team All-American honors on special teams in 2013 and 2015.
Switzer's inclusion on the Oregon coaching staff wasn't totally random because he had a connection. Ross Douglas, who is the Ducks' wide receivers coach, has a history with Switzer that dates back to their days on the other side of the table on the recruiting trail. At one point, Switzer and Douglas were committed to being teammates within the Big Ten.
"Me and Switzer, we go back to 2011," Douglas said in a press conference on Saturday. "We were actually committed to Penn State together. Bill O'Brien was the head coach. We've known each other since we were about 16 years old. We’ve followed each other all the way throughout."
Douglas wound up going to Michigan and later began his coaching career at Rutgers before ending up with the Ducks last season. Switzer is still getting his feet wet in the coaching world, but his established reputation, both with Douglas and within college football history, has brought him to Eugene.
"I was going through my phone one day, we actually found a picture of me and him in high school," Douglas recalled. "We took a picture together, and I put it in our receiver group chat. So we go way back."
After being let go by Tulsa, Douglas said Switzer reached out to him in hopes of some advice or support. That conversation resulted in a new role with the Ducks where Switzer can help in multiple phases, including where he thrived as a returner on special teams.
"I'm just thankful that I'm in a position now where I can help a good friend, and it's just a blessing to have him on our staff," Douglas said. "He's a valuable addition to the room, to me, to our players. So now he'll do big things here. I'm happy he's with us.”
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's new coaching staff reunites old friends on offensive side
Q&A
Who are the new coordinators for the Oregon Ducks football team?
Drew Mehringer has been promoted to offensive coordinator and Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks.
What position did Ryan Switzer hold before joining the Oregon Ducks?
Ryan Switzer was previously the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at Tulsa before joining the Oregon Ducks.
What are Ryan Switzer's notable achievements in college football?
Ryan Switzer had 2,912 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during his time at North Carolina and tied the NCAA single-season record with five return touchdowns as a freshman.
Why did the Oregon Ducks change their coaching staff this offseason?
The coaching staff changes were made due to the successful departures of Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, who left for head coaching positions at Kentucky and Cal, respectively.
