Former Ducks coach Bellotti stepping down as Oregon AD after a year to take job with ESPN

Bellotti announces he’s stepping down as Oregon AD

EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti is stepping down after less than a year in the position to take a job with ESPN.

Bellotti was head coach of the Ducks for 14 seasons before he formally took over as athletic director on July 1. He’ll make his debut as a college football analyst for ESPN on April 17.

His tenure as AD has been tumultuous. Earlier this week, he dismissed men’s basketball coach Ernie Kent because of losses and dropping attendance.

He’s also seen a spate of player misconduct on the football team. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was suspended for the upcoming season after pleading guilty to a second-degree burglary charge.

Running back LaMichael James pleaded guilty on an unrelated harassment charge and was suspended by coach Chip Kelly for a game.