Bellotti to coach Duck QBs this spring

EUGENE, Ore – Incoming University of Oregon athletic director and outgoing head football coach Mike Bellotti will serve as an assistant coach during spring practices, first-year head coach Chip Kelly announced Monday.

Bellotti, who will begin his new administrative role in the athletic department on July 1, will serve as quarterbacks coach during the Ducks’ allotment of 15 practices this spring. Oregon’s winningest football coach of all time led the Ducks to a 10-3 mark and No. 9 ranking in 2008, the last of his 14 seasons at the helm of the football program.

“I felt it was important to maximize the number of assistant coaches we can have during spring ball while continuing our search process for a full-time assistant,” Kelly said. “We didn’t want to rush into a hire, and having the most qualified person for the job in our own backyard made it an easy decision.”

Bellotti amassed an overall record of 116-55 at UO, including a 72-43 Pacific-10 ledger. Both win totals were the most in the conference during his tenure.

"For 21 of my 36 years in the profession, I've been an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach - those are my roots and what I enjoy," Bellotti said. "I'm glad to help Chip out this spring, and obviously I'm comfortable with and have a good relationship with the quarterbacks on our roster."

The 58-year old Bellotti emphasized that his role on the coaching staff is temporary and strictly in an assistant capacity.

"I hope I can be of value to the staff, but at the same time I'll be preparing to step into my role as athletic director," Bellotti said. "My main focus as a coach is going to be on individual technique, allowing Chip to do his job as head coach."

Oregon’s first practice of the spring is tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.