Oregon Ducks to hire Boise State’s Andy Avalos as defensive coordinator
The Oregon Ducks have reportedly found the replacement for Jim Leavitt, and are going with an outside hire.
Per multiple reports, the Ducks are hiring Boise State’s Andy Avalos as their next defensive coodinator. Avalos held the same position in Boise for the past four seasons, and was a star linebacker with the Broncos from 2001-04 playing for Dan Hawkins.
The Avalos-led Broncos defense was 10th in the country in sacks last season, averaging 3 per game. Oregon was 57th in the same category in 2018 (2.57 sacks per game).
Boise State was also 11th nationally in 3rd-down defense, allowing opponents to convert just 31.1% of their third-down attempts. The Ducks were a solid 45th in the same category (37.1%).
Boise State forced 24 turnovers last year as well, 20th in the country, while the Ducks forced 23 turnovers (28th).
Breaking: Boise State DC Andy Avalos will leave to take the same job at Oregon.
— Dave Southorn (@davesouthorn) February 26, 2019
SOURCE: #BoiseState defensive coordinator Andy Avalos is expected to become the new DC at #Oregon.. the move was 1st reported by Dave Southorn.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 26, 2019
Ducks fans don’t have to try to remember how tough a defense Avalos ran at Boise, as evidenced by the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl when the Ducks lost 38-28.
Andy Avalos’ D held Oregon to 280 yards and 4-of-14 on third downs in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl when Boise dominated the Ducks in Mario Cristobal’s first game as head coach. https://t.co/b8BPZh4TBR
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 26, 2019
Avalos replaces Jim Leavitt, who mutually parted ways with the Ducks earlier this month.
More to come on this developing story, and tune in 12-3pm for the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano for his reaction.
