Oregon Ducks' Next Move at Defensive Coordinator After Tosh Lupoi's Exit

With defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi departing the Oregon Ducks to join the California Golden Bears as their new head coach, attention now shifts to Dan Lannings next move: selecting Lupois successor. Sources from CBS Sports indicate that co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, who also serves as Oregons secondary coach, is set to step into the role.

Hampton joined Oregon after serving as defensive coordinator for the Tulane Green Wave, positioning him as the natural choice for promotion following Lupois exit. Under Lupoi, Oregons defense has been highly successful, setting high standards for Hampton to continue.

This transition highlights the growth of Lannings coaching tree, which has produced several head coaches from Oregon assistants, including Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), Will Stein (Kentucky), and now Lupoi. Oregons strong institutional support and abundant resources make it an attractive destination for developing top-tier football programs.

Hired by Lanning in January 2023, Hampton has held his dual roles for three seasons and brings prior experience as a defensive coordinator at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave to a 12-2 record and a victory over USC in the Cotton Bowl in 2022. At 39, Hampton embodies Lannings preference for young, ambitious coaches who have steadily advanced through the ranks. His coaching journey began in 2008 as a graduate assistant at Central Arkansas, followed by stints at Georgia Tech, a return to Central Arkansas, and four seasons at McNeese State before joining Tulane.

Over the past three seasons as co-defensive coordinator, Hampton has been deeply involved in game-planning and is thoroughly familiar with Oregons culture. While Lupoi made a significant impact as a top defensive coach and recruiter, fans are eager to see Hamptons influence, particularly on the secondary, both schematically and in recruiting.

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Author: Sophia Brooks