Ducks Digest

Demetrice Martin to Join Jonathan Smith's Staff at Michigan State, Per Report

One of Oregon's top assistant coaches is heading to a new conference foe.

Max Torres

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Oregon Ducks cornerbacks coach and passing game coordinator Demetrice Martin is heading to East Lansing to join Jonathan Smith's new Michigan State staff, according to a report from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

Martin played his college football at Michigan State and spent the last two seasons in Eugene coaching the Oregon cornerbacks after coming over from the University of Colorado.

During his time in Eugene Martin continued the development of star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who played under him at Colorado and would eventually become a first round NFL Draft pick. Martin also developed cornerback Khyree Jackson, who will likely be selected in this year's draft after coming to Oregon from Alabama.

Prior to his time on Dan Lanning's staff, Martin became one of the top assistant coaches in the Pac-12, spending time on staffs at Colorado, Arizona, UCLA, Washington and USC. He was one of the best recruiters in the country and was named the Pac-12 recruiter of the year for the 2023 cycle by 247Sports. 

Oregon cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin leads his group through drills at practice.
Oregon cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin leads his group through drills at practice :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest
Oregon cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin is one of the most respected names in coaching on the West Coast.
Oregon cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin is one of the most respected names in coaching on the West Coast :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

He helped the Ducks sign touted prospects like Rodrick Pleasant, Daylen Austin from the high school ranks and players like Sione Laulea III from the junior college ranks.

The writing may have been on the wall for Martin's eventual departure, as his son, cornerback Cole Martin, transferred to Arizona State earlier this month after spending just one season in Eugene. Martin played the most of any true freshman defensive back and logged his first career interception against the Sun Devils back in November. 

Martin is a notable departure from the Oregon staff, as the Ducks also lost defensive graduate assistant Tony Washington Jr. (UCLA) and director of recruiting operations JR Moala (Oregon State) to new opportunities this offseason. Graduate assistant Rashad Wadood has spent the last two seasons working with the cornerbacks in Eugene and could be a name that's up for consideration to fill the now vacant role.

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Max Torres
MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.

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