Northwestern Faces Oregon Days After Firing of Offensive Coordinator

Northwestern football is preparing for one of its biggest challenges of the season, but its upcoming opponent has made a major coaching change less than a week before kickoff.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning announced Sunday that offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer had been relieved of his duties following the Ducks’ disappointing 21-10 loss to Illinois.

The decision comes just six days before Northwestern travels to Eugene to face Oregon at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, October 31.

Mehringer had been with Oregon since 2022, initially serving as tight ends coach before adding co-offensive coordinator responsibilities in 2025. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in January 2026 after Will Stein departed to become Kentucky’s head coach.

During his time with the program, Mehringer helped develop several talented tight ends, including Terrance Ferguson and Kenyon Sadiq, both of whom became NFL draft picks.

However, his first season leading Oregon’s offense did not go as planned.

The Ducks entered the season ranked No. 2 nationally but have struggled to meet those expectations, falling to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play.

Oregon has scored just 15, 17 and 10 points in its last three games, averaging only 14 points per contest during that stretch.

Those struggles have been especially noticeable without starting quarterback Dante Moore, who has missed the last three games while recovering from a concussion suffered against USC.

Backup quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas have both been called upon during Moore’s absence, while injuries at wide receiver and an inexperienced offensive line have created additional challenges.

Oregon has also been without leading receiver Evan Stewart recently, adding another obstacle for an offense attempting to find consistency.

Despite averaging 33.1 points per game this season, that number is heavily influenced by an 84-point performance against Portland State. Against FBS opponents, Oregon’s scoring average drops to 24.7 points per game.

Saturday’s loss to Illinois ultimately proved to be the breaking point.

The Ducks recorded 426 yards of total offense but managed just 10 points, failed to score in the second half and converted only four of their 15 third-down opportunities.

Following the defeat, Lanning decided a change was necessary.

As of Sunday, Oregon had not announced an interim offensive coordinator or confirmed who would take over play-calling responsibilities against Northwestern.

The Ducks could turn to an existing offensive assistant to handle those duties for the remainder of the season, although no specific replacement has been confirmed.

Former Oregon head coach and current Northwestern offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has also appeared in outside speculation surrounding the program’s longer-term opening. However, that speculation should not be confused with an announced candidacy or any indication that Kelly plans to leave Northwestern.

For now, Oregon’s immediate priority is finding someone to lead its offense into Saturday’s matchup.

For Northwestern, the timing of this coaching change presents both an opportunity and a challenge.

On one hand, Oregon’s recent offensive struggles and uncertainty surrounding its play-calling could work in the Wildcats’ favor.

Introducing a new offensive approach in less than a week is no easy task, especially with injuries affecting several important positions.

Northwestern defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle has also demonstrated an ability to create pressure, force turnovers and put his players in positions to make important plays.

That was evident again Saturday against Rutgers, when the Wildcats forced three turnovers and recorded four sacks in their 42-14 victory.

However, the uncertainty surrounding Oregon’s offense could also make preparing for Saturday’s matchup more difficult.

With a new play-caller potentially introducing different formations, tendencies or play designs, Northwestern may not know exactly what to expect.

Oregon could look to establish a stronger rushing attack, incorporate more quick passes or find different ways to create explosive plays.

And for a Northwestern defense that has surrendered several big plays throughout the season, that uncertainty is something the Wildcats cannot afford to overlook.

Even during Northwestern’s recent victories, opposing offenses have occasionally found ways to create significant gains.

Those moments highlight the importance of defensive discipline, communication and limiting explosive plays.

Northwestern cannot afford to give Oregon’s talented offensive players opportunities to regain confidence, especially in a difficult road environment.

The Wildcats will need to remain prepared for different offensive looks while continuing to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers.

There is also the possibility that Oregon’s coaching change provides an immediate spark.

A different voice calling plays could help the Ducks find a rhythm that has been missing in recent weeks, making them a dangerous opponent despite their disappointing record.

Northwestern enters Saturday’s matchup at 6-1 and riding a four-game winning streak, but this will be another important test for David Braun’s team.

The Wildcats have demonstrated an ability to win games in different ways this season, and their defense has played a significant role in that success.

Now, McGarigle and his unit will have to prepare for an Oregon offense that may look different from the one seen throughout the first seven games.

While the Ducks’ coaching change could benefit Northwestern, it also adds an unpredictable element to an already challenging road matchup.

And if the Wildcats hope to continue their impressive season, being prepared for whatever Oregon brings offensively will be essential.