Bellotti Steps Down As Oregon AD; ESPN Hires Ex-Football Coach As Analyst
March 20, 2010 at 6:17 AM by AHN · Leave a Comment
Eugene, OR, United States (AHN) – Mike Bellotti stepped down as the AD at the University of Oregon and accepted a new job as a college football analyst at ESPN, it was announced Friday.
Bellotti, one of the most decorated football coaches at Oregon, officially ended his 21-year tenure at the University of Oregon as an offensive coordinator (1989-1994) head coach (1995-2008) and athletic director (2009-2010).
In 14 seasons as the Ducks head coach, Bellotti compiled the best record in the school’s history (116-55) with 12 postseason appearances, six bowl wins, and two PAC-10 titles.
He led Oregon to an 11-win record and No.2 national ranking in 2001 and six Top-25 finishes in the last 10 years.
Bellotti also tackled numerous of disciplinary issues and management decision in his brief stint as the school’s athletic-director.
Recently, Bellotti permitted Chip Kelly to impose heavy punishment on several football players, including Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James, and LaGarrette Blount.
He also fired long-time basketball head coach Ernie Kent, after another poor performance by the school’s basketball program.
In a statement released by ESPN, Bellotti expressed his excitement to be part of ESPN’s college football broadcasting team.
ESPN executive vice president (production) Norby Williamson considered Bellotti’s knowledge as a successful college football head coach an asset to improve their coverage of the sport.
Bellotti will debut on ESPNU’s coverage of the Auburn spring football game on April 17 at 2 p.m. EST.
