ESPN analyst: Former Oregon HC Mark Helfrich ‘no doubt’ attractive to Tennessee

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Speculation involving offensive wizard Mark Helfrich and Tennessee football ran deep this weekend in the Music City, after the former Oregon coach visited the Vols’ practice.

Helfrich was fired after four seasons leading the Ducks, having struggled to a 4-8 record in 2016, the first loss a 35-32 setback to the Nebraska team the Vols knocked off in the Music City Bowl on Friday.

ESPN’s Tom Hart said Helfrich still is due $11.5 million over three years after his dismissal, but taking a co-coordinator or coordinator position would not affect that settlement, and he would probably be an attractive candidate.

“No doubt about it,” ESPN analyst and former Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware said. “All the weapons that are here, and a lot of talented players still in the program, even if guys like Josh Malone were to declare (a statement that has since come true), he’ll still have (Jauan) Jennings and a bunch of others that are still here to coach up.”

Tennessee’s current offensive coordinator, Mike DeBord, is a brilliant tactician who knows how to scheme a defense and play-call effectively, as evidenced by the offensive production and red zone efficiency. The Vols set a single-season record with 473 points and 63 touchdowns this season.

DeBord’s area of positional coaching expertise, however, is on the offensive line, while Helfrich specializes in quarterbacks, having tutored Heisman Trophy winner and Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota at Oregon.

The two working as co-coordinators, or Helfrich becoming Tennessee’s QB coach, is intriguing.

Coach Butch Jones has indicated there will be staff changes, as he is not content with the Vols’ 9-4 season.

Jones said he is proud of his team for persevering through several injuries and tough losses, but he remains driven to deliver a championship.

Adding Helfrich, one year after landing defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, would give Tennessee one of the most star-studded staffs in college football.

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