Mark Helfrich's tenure at Oregon did not end on a high note, as the Ducks sputtered to a 4-8 record in 2016. That collapse prompted his firing (and the hire of Willie Taggart to lead the program) and, since then, Helfrich has operated as an analyst covering the sport for FOX Sports.
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However, there has been some buzz about Helfrich returning to the college ranks and, this time, the rumor mill indicates it would be as a member of the Texas Longhorns staff under Tom Herman. With that in mind, new Texas AD Chris Del Conte was prompted about those whispers and he said the following to the Austin American-Statesman on Saturday.
"Tom and I have not had any discussion about it. As far as the rumors being bantered around, those are just rumors. Tom and I have not had any discussions about who the possible 10th coach could be."
Herman and Del Conte certainly want to be on the same page here, but this comment does not exactly prohibit the Longhorns from pursuing Helfrich if they choose to do so. Still, this is certainly a denial to some degree and, with that as the backdrop, it is too early to assume any particular hire will be happening in Austin.
It does seem like a one-year absence could be enough for Helfrich, though, and he might be back on the sideline soon enough.
