Why now for Bellotti? ... 'Wildcat' came from Wyatt ... Ramsay on Oden

By kerry eggers

The Portland Tribune, Dec 9, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

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Oregon’s move to tie up Chip Kelly was a brilliant move. I understand that totally.

And Kelly’s decision to turn down potential offers to be a head coach at another D-I school makes sense, too, in light of the way the Ducks are taking care of him financially.

What I don’t get is Mike Bellotti’s choice – and all indications are it was his choice to make – to step away from his job to make room for Kelly and replace Pat Kilkenny as athletic director.

At 58, Bellotti is young enough to be a football coach for another decade. His record for success, despite complaints from detractors, speaks for itself.

The program is near the top of the Pac-10, and with a good nucleus of talent returning and plenty of financial wherewithal to patch any cracks, the Ducks should be strong for years to come.

So why would Bellotti give it up now?

Don’t tell me it’s because Kilkenny’s contract is up in June. An interim AD for a year or two or even three could easily be had.

This dominoes deal doesn’t hinge on Kilkenny’s status, but on Bellotti’s.

What I’m told by knowledgable sources is that after 14 seasons, Bellotti has grown weary of fighting the battles as a big-time college coach. That, coupled by the personal traumas Mike has endured with his wife, Colleen, and his son, Luke, have evidently weighed heavily on the Ducks’ boss man.

Having Kelly as a ready-made successor might make this an easier decision for Bellotti, who approves of his offensive coordinator’s coaching philosophies and figures the change should come sooner rather than later. By all accounts, Bellotti seems eager to move into the AD seat and try his hand at running the department – with, of course, football’s fortunes the biggest focus.

Bellotti recently said the coaching change is likely to happen within the next year or two. Sources say it’s possible Bellotti might even decide to hang it up after the Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl. I have a hard time believing that, but stranger things have happened.

The other thing I’m hearing – and sources are mixed on this – is Nick Aliotti might walk away when Bellotti does. The long-time defensive coordinator has had his ups and downs through 18 years with the Ducks, but I’m hoping he isn’t pushed out as Kelly takes over. Aliotti deserves better.

• Some very sad news with the passing of Mike Markham, the former Oregon State two-sport standout who enjoyed a long, successful career as a neurosurgeon in the Portland area.

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