New Oregon DC Chris Hampton wants Ducks defense to make leap from good to elite

Hampton believes Oregon's defense has been strong, but says the Ducks are chasing more as they enter spring practice with high-end talent and key holes to fill.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Chris Hampton, the new defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, is not looking to reinvent the wheel, but he is looking for more from his defense. After helping oversee one of the most productive defensive stretches in program history as Oregon's co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, Hampton now takes full control of a unit that has been consistently strong under Dan Lanning, but one he believes is still capable of reaching another level.

Why it matters

Oregon's defense has been one of the best in the Big Ten and nationally in recent years, but Hampton believes the Ducks can take the next step and become an elite unit. With a talented roster that includes future NFL pieces on the defensive line and in the secondary, Hampton has high expectations for the Ducks' defense in 2026.

The details

Hampton is tasked with reshaping major pieces of the rotation, as the Ducks have lost significant production, leadership and depth from last season. Oregon may return premium frontline talent, but Hampton is treating this spring as a full reset rather than assuming returning players can simply pick up where last year ended. The developmental focus is especially important because the Ducks are counting on younger players to take on featured roles much sooner, particularly in the secondary.

  • Oregon began the 2026 spring football period with 15 practices.

The players

Chris Hampton

The new defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, who previously served as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who trusted Hampton with an even bigger role on the defensive side of the ball.

A'Mauri Washington

A defensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks who is considered a future NFL piece.

Bear Alexander

A defensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks who is considered a future NFL piece.

Teitum Tuioti

An edge rusher for the Oregon Ducks who is considered a future NFL piece.

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What they’re saying

“I think we can get better. We can obviously grow. We haven't got to where we want to go. We've been good on defense. We want to be elite. We want to be the best. We haven't been the best. We've been pretty good.”

— Chris Hampton, Defensive Coordinator, Oregon Ducks

“Every year is new. Especially in today's age of college football with the transfer portal, you have to be able to adapt and adjust. So that's each and every year. And if you can't adjust right now, you're gonna die as a coach, because your team may change year to year.”

— Chris Hampton, Defensive Coordinator, Oregon Ducks

What’s next

The Ducks will continue their 15 spring football practices as they look to rebuild depth and accelerate the development of younger players to complement their returning high-end talent.

The takeaway

Chris Hampton has high expectations for the Oregon Ducks' defense in 2026, as he believes the unit can take the next step from being consistently strong to becoming an elite, championship-caliber defense. The key will be replacing significant production, leadership and depth, while also developing younger players to step into featured roles.