Kenny Dillingham assesses Bo Nix's growth in 2nd year at Oregon

A year ago, Kenny Dillingham was Bo Nix’s offensive coordinator at Oregon. It was Nix’s first year in Eugene after transferring from Auburn — spending one year under Dillingham in 2019 — and he put up the best numbers of his career.

Now, the two are getting ready to square off. Dillingham left to become the head coach at Arizona State this year and Will Stein took over the offensive coordinator duties at Oregon. Nix, meanwhile, has turned into the Heisman Trophy favorite and already has as many passing touchdowns as last year.

As Nix and the Ducks get ready to take on Arizona State on Saturday, Dillingham sees a more confident quarterback when he looks at the film.

“I think he just continued to build on last year,” Dillingham told John Canzano and Jon Wilner. “He was always confident, but I think he’s doing the same process again in terms of being in control of the offense, changing pros, getting to the correct plays. So I think anytime you repeat a process, you’re better the second time. I think Coach Stein is doing a good job playing to Bo’s strengths and letting Bo play free enough to still have that confidence on the field every time he takes a snap.

“I just see him [as] a more confident version of what he was last year. And then, obviously, you get a lot of the wideouts back. So you’re better timing, better communication. He has his brother now playing in the slot and option routes, so they obviously have a connection. I think you combine his growth and another year into it with the talent around him, and it’s a very, very good combination for them.”

Breaking down Bo Nix’s improvement in 2023, Heisman Trophy candidacy

Last season was a career year for Nix as he topped 3,000 yards for the first time. He totaled 3,593 passing yards and 29 touchdowns to help Oregon to a 10-3 record in the first year under Dan Lanning. Even after the coordinator change, he found a way to get better and put himself in the Heisman conversation.

Through 10 games this year, Nix has thrown for 3,135 yards and 29 touchdowns as Oregon makes a run at the Pac-12 title. The Ducks bring a 9-1 record into this week’s matchup against Arizona State and continue to fight for a spot in the conference championship.

Nix will be able to add to his case for the Heisman Trophy as he faces his former coach Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX.