Oregon to Promote Chris Hampton to Defensive Backs Coach

Dan Lanning is promoting from within his staff following Demetrice Martin's departure to Michigan State.

Dan Lanning is promoting from within, following the departure of cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin to Michigan State on Tuesday.

The Oregon head coach is expected to promote safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton to defensive backs coach, according to a report from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

With Demetrice Martin accepting a job at Michigan State, Oregon is expected to promote co-DC Chris Hampton from safeties coach to defensive backs coach, sources tell @247Sports.

He’s already turned down multiple Power Five DC opportunities this offseason to remain at Oregon.… pic.twitter.com/S0Ai9vBoIp

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 17, 2024

Hampton came to Oregon prior to the 2023 season after Matt Powledge left to become the defensive coordinator at Baylor. 

Before landing in Eugene Hampton had spent the last two years as the defensive coordinator at Tulane. He played a big role in Oregon's defense taking a big leap forward last season and has also been an impact recruiter, helping the Ducks sign All-American safety Aaron Flowers and Kansas State safety Kobe Savage to name a few players. 

Zenitz goes on to report that he turned down multiple Power 5 defensive coordinator opportunities since the end of the 2023 season to remain with the Ducks.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, Lanning is expected to promote a pair of other young coaches on the staff in analyst Brian Michalowksi, who spent last season working with the linebackers, as well as graduate assistant Rashad Wadood, who worked extensively with the cornerbacks.

Oregon is also expected to promote analyst Brian Michalowski and grad assistant Rashad Wadood to bigger roles, per sources.

Michalowski is expected to play a bigger role with the Ducks LB group. Wadood is expected to be play a more significant role with Oregon’s cornerback unit.…

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 17, 2024

In a time of the calendar year when both coaches and players are moving all over the country, Dan Lanning is keeping things in house and promoting from within. He's showing confidence in the hires that he's made and the potential that they have for growth. 

Wadood has been instrumental in Oregon's recruiting efforts in Southern California and helped the Ducks land sign some of the best defensive talent on the West Coast.

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