Oregon tabs Bellotti as future AD

Dec 3, 2008 - 1:24 AM EUGENE, Oregon (Ticker) -- Oregon coach Mike Bellotti already has his next job lined up. He also has a hand-picked successor waiting in the wings.

On Tuesday, the school announced that Bellotti has been selected to succeed athletic director Pat Kilkenny. When Bellotti officially assumes the position, Chip Kelly will take over as the Ducks' new coach.

No timetable has been set for Kilkenny to step down and set the succession plan in motion. It seems the move was made for continuity, as well as to keep Kelly from taking a coaching job elsewhere.

"Today, I'm announcing a transition plan to assure the athletics department continues its momentum as one of the premier programs in the country," Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer said. "I am grateful Mike and Chip will continue to serve the university, the athletics department and the football program."

The longest tenured coach in the Pac-10 Conference, Bellotti is 115-55 in 14 seasons with the Ducks and has led them to 12 bowl appearances. Oregon is 9-3 this season and waiting for a bowl bid.

Kelly has spent the past two seasons as Oregon's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after eight years in the same roles at New Hampshire.

The Ducks' spread offense has become one of the most vaunted attacks in college football under Kelly. This season, Oregon ranks fourth in the country in rushing (277.8 yards), seventh in scoring (41.9 points) and eighth in total offense (478.2 yards).

"This is an incredible opportunity for me, and I am honored to be named the head coach designated for one of the elite programs in the nation," Kelly said. "I appreciate the confidence that president Frohnmayer, Pat Kilkenny and Mike Bellotti have bestowed on me.

"It means so much to me to be entrusted with carrying on the great tradition of Oregon football."

Kelly's promotion in waiting continues a trend among major football powers in naming successors before an established coach departs.

Jimbo Fisher is waiting to take over for Bobby Bowden at Florida State, and Texas recently announced defensive coordinator Will Muschamp eventually will replace Mack Brown as coach of the Longhorns.