Quite a ride for Oregon fans over the last month, a win in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1917, LaMichael James and Darron Thomas leaving for the NFL draft and to top it all off, a 12 hour waiting game as Chip Kelly was rumored to be the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kelly took the job and then changed his mind at the last minute opting to stay with the Ducks saying he had unfinished business.
If you are a Ducks fan you must be more than relieved. The guy who took your team to three straight BCS bowls, an appearance in the national championship and a Rose Bowl win will be here at least one more season. Add three straight conference titles to the mix and the chance for a fourth as something that seemed unattainable before Kelly took the reins. It doesn't seem that the Ducks will be slowing down either with De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner back and Bryan Bennett proving he is more than capable at the quarterback position, the future looks bright here in Eugene.
The only burning question at the moment is how the Ducks will fair in the recruiting battle when players are allowed to sign letters of intent. With all the Kelly turmoil, will they get players to commit to the school when they know the head coach may eventually opt for an NFL career? Some experts think the Ducks recruiting will suffer but I would have to say that with all the attention Oregon has been getting over the past few years and with their coach staying for the moment they will likely make out just fine. We'll know for sure in 10 days.
