EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has been named offensive coordinator at Utah, launching a search for a replacement for the Ducks, who will become the third man to hold the job in five seasons under Oregon football coach Mike Bellotti.
Ludwig, 40, told The Oregonian that he wasn't forced out and hadn't thought about leaving Oregon until he received a phone call from new Utah coach Kyle Whittingham a week ago.
"It was a difficult decision," Ludwig told the newspaper. "I didn't come to Oregon with the idea of leaving after three years. But I have a long history and a good friendship with the new coach at Utah."
Ludwig and Whittingham were both assistants at Idaho State from 1989-91. Also, Ludwig was a Utah graduate assistant in 1992 where he coached with Whittingham's late father, Fred.
"I know what he's about," Kyle Whittingham said. "I've known Andy for 15 years."
After receiving the phone call, Ludwig, whose contract with Oregon ran through the 2005 season, went to Bellotti and discussed his options.
"Mike was nothing but a professional," Ludwig said. "I wanted to be as upfront with him as possible. There's always a lot of nervousness when you make a decision like that, but today, it's full speed ahead."
Ludwig declined to give details about the switch but said: "It wasn't a lateral move."
The Oregonian cited a source close to the Utah program as saying that Ludwig's new contract includes a raise above his salary with the Ducks, as well as a three-year guarantee.
Among those being discussed to replace Ludwig are Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges, who was considered for the Ducks offensive coordinator position after Jeff Tedford left for California.
At Oregon, Ludwig sometimes weathered sharp fan criticism for his play calling. But he said fan reaction never bothered him.
"The Ducks fans cheer loud, and they let you know when they're unhappy," Ludwig said. "That's fine. That's football."
Ludwig, an Ogden native, also coached at Fresno State, tutoring Bulldog quarterback David Carr, the top pick in the NFL draft in 2002. He took over Oregon's offense in 2002, and the Ducks averaged 32.1 points per game. Oregon averaged 397 yards of offense this season under Ludwig.
In addition to Idaho State, Ludwig also has coached at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Augustana in South Dakota, Portland State and Boise State.