Brady Hoke is back in coaching after a year off. (Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
Oregon hired former Michigan coach Brady Hoke as defensive coordinator, the school announced on Saturday.
Hoke was out of coaching last season after being fired by the Wolverines. He went 31-20 in four seasons as coach from 2011-14.
Hoke was recently passed over for the East Carolina head coaching gig so running the Ducks’ defense gives him an opportunity to re-establish himself in the college football world.
“We are extremely excited to welcome coach Hoke to the Oregon family,” Ducks coach Mark Helfrich said in a statement. “He’s passionate, knowledgeable and tough and has an outstanding track record of success from a defensive standpoint.”
Oregon’s defense allowed an average of 37.5 points last season and couldn’t hold a 31-point lead during a 47-41 triple-overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl.
The bowl game collapse led to Don Pellum being demoted from defensive coordinator to linebackers coach.
In addition to his stint as Michigan coach, Hoke also served as head coach at Ball State (2003-08) and San Diego State (2009-10). He has a 78-70 career record in 12 seasons.
