Oregon Promotes Jay Johnson to Offensive Play-Caller
Head coach Dan Lanning moves to change the team's offensive direction after firing coordinator Drew Mehringer.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
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Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has promoted analyst and assistant quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson to oversee the team's offensive play-calling duties. This leadership change follows the firing of offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer after Oregon's 21-10 loss to Illinois.
Why it matters
The change reflects Lanning's effort to address offensive struggles following a game where the team was held to just 10 points. By bringing in a new play-caller, the program aims to find a more effective perspective to improve production for the remainder of the season.
Oregon currently maintains a 4-3 overall record and a 2-2 standing in Big Ten play. During his previous 19-game tenure leading the Wyoming offense, Jay Johnson saw his unit score under 20 points in 15 of those contests.
The players
Dan Lanning
Dan Lanning serves as the head coach for the University of Oregon football program.
Jay Johnson
Jay Johnson is a 57-year-old coach who previously served as an analyst and assistant quarterbacks coach at Oregon.
Drew Mehringer
Drew Mehringer is the former offensive coordinator for the University of Oregon football team.
Dante Moore
Dante Moore is a quarterback who will not return for the remainder of the season due to a concussion.
The details
Johnson, 57, takes over after previously serving as an analyst and assistant quarterbacks coach for the team. The offensive staff is expected to operate as a collaborative unit under Johnson as they prepare for upcoming games against Northwestern and Ohio State.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Oregon lost to Illinois.
October 26, 2026: Drew Mehringer was removed as offensive coordinator.
Season Trajectory
This staff reorganization attempts to salvage the season following the 2025 Wyoming offensive coordinator demotion which occurred after a 24-21 loss. The move shifts the offensive identity ahead of critical matchups against Northwestern and Ohio State to stabilize the team's standing.
The transition to a collaborative play-calling approach immediately affects the team's preparation for the upcoming home game against Northwestern. With Dante Moore ruled out due to a concussion, the new offensive structure must quickly integrate a strategy to improve upon the 10-point outing at Illinois.
The takeaway
Effective coaching shifts often rely on identifying specific tactical weaknesses during mid-season lulls to spark immediate improvement. Fans and analysts will watch the upcoming game against Northwestern to see if the collaborative staff approach yields a higher points output.
Further reading
For more on local team developments, visit the Football section.
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Do you believe replacing an offensive coordinator mid-season actually improves a football team's performance?
