Oregon insider reveals latest info surrounding Ducks opening

The Oregon coaching search has been a whirlwind. From the moment Mario Cristobal announced his intention to move on to Miami, the Ducks have been looking for their next leader.

In the days following, refuted reports and wild rumors have swirled. On Friday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning would be taking over the program. Since, they’ve stood by reports — but other outlets have vehemently denied it.

With so much information to sort through, Oregon insider John Canzano provided some insight into the Ducks opening.

First, he stated that he believes Chip Kelly will remain the coach of the UCLA Bruins. While fate seemed to bring an unexpected, storybook reunion to Kelly and the Ducks, Canzano believes it isn’t to be. Additionally, he feels like Kelly is using Oregon as leverage to get an extension out of the Bruins.

Elsewhere, another Pac 12 coach impressed Oregon — California’s Justin Wilcox. After interviewing for the job, Canzano revealed that Wilcox impressed Ducks’ decision-makers. Still, the decision remains up in the air.

As for the aforementioned Lanning, Canzano writes that the Ducks did in-fact speak with the Georgia coordinator. While the Bulldogs coach could end up being the next head coach of the Ducks, Canzano isn’t convinced that’s where this is headed. While Lanning could be a good hire for Oregon, Canzano doesn’t believe it’ll move the needle like USC’s hire of Lincoln Riley.

“I’m skeptical right now. Lanning is 35, has a good reputation as a rising star coordinator but he has never been a head coach,” wrote Canzano. “If you’re Oregon, are you really countering the Lincoln Riley hire to USC with someone who has never done the job?”

A mystery candidate in-play for Oregon?

Furthermore, Canzano wrote that Oregon has a wildcard up their sleeve — a mystery candidate from the NFL their speaking with. Let imagination run wild, as Urban Meyer or Matt Rhule speculations are sure to pop up after reading that.

While Canzano didn’t reveal any potential candidates, he believes the timing is the most interesting part for Oregon. After originally expecting the Ducks to have a new coach by this weekend, an NFL candidate would throw a wrench into those plans. Moreover, Canzano believes Oregon is searching far and wide for their next coach — leaving no stones unturned as they try to remain a power in the Pac 12.

Time will tell who Oregon chooses to lead their program into a new era. One thing’s for sure — with Lincoln Riley leading USC, the Ducks have to nail it.