Oregon promotes Mark Helfrich to coach [Update]

Mark Helfrich, the 39-year-old offensive coordinator who helped orchestrate Chip Kelly’s high-powered offense, has been promoted to coach.

Helfrich, an Oregon native, began his coaching career with the Ducks in 1997 as a graduate assistant from Southern Oregon. He made his mark as a quarterbacks coach, with stops at Boise State (1998-2000), Arizona State (2001-05) and Colorado (2006-08) before returning to Oregon in the same capacity.

“Going forward we will attack in all phases. We’ll embrace innovation and we’ll strive to do our best to win each and every day,” Helfrich said during a news conference Sunday afternoon.

When Kelly took over the Ducks program, he promoted Helfrich to offensive coordinator.

Kelly resigned last week to take over the struggling Philadelphia Eagles. Helfrich promoted wide receivers coach Scott Frost, a former Nebraska quarterback, to offensive coordinator.

The Ducks (12-1) finished last season ranked No. 2 after defeating Kansas State, 35-17, in the Fiesta Bowl.

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