Ducks looking for new head football coach; prep and college basketball tonight

sports_featurephotoMullens lets Oregon Coach go

After a disappointing 4-and-8 season and a finish at the bottom of the Pac-12 North, Mark Helfrich is out as the Oregon football coach.

Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens made the announcement last night after meeting with the fourth year head coach.

The decision was expensive for the Oregon athletic department… Helfrich’s contract buyout will cost the Ducks $11.6-million.  The Oregon native and Marshfield High School grad was 37-and-16 in his four years after taking over for Chip Kelley.  But, half of those losses were this season alone.   Mullens said he would not talk about any specific schedule for finding a new head coach.

On the basketball court tonight…

The Siuslaw Vikings open play at home against the Creswell Bulldogs.  The girls tip off at six, the boys immediately after.  Both games will air on Coast Radio Sports with the pregame show at 5:45 on KCST.  Proceeds from the game will benefit the OSAA Endowment Fund.  That means league and school passes will not be allowed.  The cost is $6 for adults; $4 for students.

The Oregon men are on the court this evening at Matthew Knight Arena against the Western Oregon Wolves at seven.  That game will air on KCFM with the pregame show at 6:30.