5 Replacements for Oregon's Mark Helfrich

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich speaks to an official during the first quarter in a game against the University of Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich could be coaching his final season with the program, but there are a few coaches who could replace him in 2017.

It seems like its the end of an era for the Oregon Ducks. After countless seasons as a Pac-12 powerhouse, the Ducks are now just 2-4 to start the 2016 season.

Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich looks like he will be on his way out after this season is over. The Washington Huskies made sure of that by blowing the Ducks out in a dominant victory on Saturday night.

If Helfrich does in fact step down as Oregon’s head coach after this season, here are five coaches who could take over for the Ducks next season.

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen prior to the game against Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

5. Lane Kiffin

The Alabama Crimson Tide are the most talented team in college football, and unlike some previous years, they have an incredibly high-powered offense thanks to the work of true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin deserves a lot of credit for setting Hurts up for success this year. In fact, the Crimson Tide have had a lot more success on offense since Kiffin joined the coaching staff back in 2014.

As a former head coach at Tennessee and USC, Kiffin could have the itch to take over a program once again after what could be another national title run this season. The Ducks could be a natural fit. They consistently have a high-powered offense that Kiffin could take the reigns of, and his previous time with the Trojans could help him with West Coast recruiting.

Perhaps the biggest reason Oregon should consider Kiffin is the fact that he’s gotten a first-hand look at how to run a successful college football team coaching under Nick Saban. With that kind of experience, Kiffin could turn Oregon into a powerhouse once again.

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles head coach Beau Baldwin looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Beau Baldwin

One of the big factors Oregon will consider with their next head coach is how good of a pulse he has on the west coast recruiting pipeline. That’s what could make Eastern Washington head coach Beau Baldwin a solid under-the-radar candidate for the Oregon job.

Although Eastern Washington is an FCS school, Baldwin has consistently run the program at an extremely high level, even winning the national championship back in 2010. He has gone 78-31 during his time with the Eagles, putting up some big offensive numbers in the process.

Baldwin’s air-it-out offensive philosophy could also be appealing for Oregon fans. As for his time at a smaller program, let’s not forget that Chip Kelly coached at New Hampshire before becoming Oregon’s offensive coordinator.

The Eastern Washington coach’s chances at landing the Ducks job aren’t great, but Oregon would be foolish to not at least have a conversation with him.

Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles congratulates Russell Gage (39) after a tackle against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

3. Les Miles

Considering Les Miles won them a championship, I have a bit of a problem with the LSU Tigers firing their head coach before the season was even over. They didn’t even do him the courtesy of letting him finish out the season.

On the bright side, Miles will have plenty of time to consider his options before the 2017 season begins. All of the big programs with coaching vacancies will be reaching out. Assuming Helfrich is gone, Oregon will surely be one of those teams.

Miles would be a big name that could attract attention, but it’ll be hard for him to recruit in-state prospects given most of his ties are in SEC territory. The former Tigers head coach also has a different offensive style compared to Oregon’s traditional spread offense.

The two will definitely have a conversation at least, but Miles might not be the right fit. You never know, though. Miles could want to get out of the SEC.

Oct 1, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; Central Florida Knights head coach Scott Frost looks on against the East Carolina Pirates during the third quarter at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Central Florida Knights defeated the East Carolina Pirates 47-29. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

2. Scott Frost

Oregon has traditionally found a successor for the head coaching position in house, or at least someone who had some ties to the program. Although the Central Florida Knights head coach Scott Frost just took over for the school, he could consider coming back out west if the Oregon position is available.

Frost was named the head coach for Central Florida after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach for the Ducks from 2009 through 2015. Frost helped with the team as a wide receivers and quarterbacks coach as well as the offensive coordinator from 2013 through 2015.

The Knights went an embarrassing 0-12 last season, but Frost suddenly has them playing competitive football with a promising 3-2 start in 2016. If he can win a few more games this year, Oregon could come calling after the season is over.

Oct 8, 2016; Annapolis, MD, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman walks down the sideline during the first quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Cougars fell to the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday, ending any hope for the Group of Five team to sneak into the College Football Playoff. Despite such a strong season for the Cougars, Tom Herman could be heading elsewhere once the year is over.

Herman is arguably the hottest head coach candidate for college football’s biggest programs. After serving as the offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer at Ohio State, Herman has gone 18-2 in his first 20 games as the head coach for Houston.

Schools like LSU, Texas and Notre Dame will all be trying to snag Herman after the season. Oregon should be on that list too. Herman is such a big name right now that recruits around the country will want to come play at Oregon. The uniforms and weekly fresh gear won’t hurt either.

If Herman is serious about winning a national title, he should consider putting Oregon on his short list.