by Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

Photo: Eric Evans

SAN ANTONIO — Oregon's tradition of staff continuity will continue with the promotion of Matt Lubick to offensive coordinator.

UO head coach Mark Helfrich made the announcement Friday morning at a press conference for Saturday's Alamo Bowl game against TCU (3:45 p.m. PT, ESPN).

"I think Matt is an outstanding football coach," Helfrich said. "He's very detail-oriented, he's an outstanding recruiter. ... I think our continuity as a staff is a strength."

Lubick has spent the last three seasons as receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He took over that position in 2013 when Helfrich was named head coach and promoted Scott Frost to offensive coordinator; Lubick now slides into the position vacated when Frost left to become head coach at Central Florida.

Still to be determined, Helfrich said, is how the Ducks will fill the open staff position vacated by Frost. How that spot is filled will help determine which coaches oversee the quarterbacks and receivers going forward.

After Frost's departure in early December, Lubick was tabbed to play a more prominent role in the Ducks' preparations for the Alamo Bowl.

“Every time you have a coach leave, you have to have somebody step up,” Lubick said at a press conference Wednesday. “A lot of coaches have stepped up and our players have stepped up. I've been very proud with the guys beside me, their leadership, how the team has bought into it, how we're preparing for this football game.”

With Lubick as passing game coordinator, the Ducks have fielded the FBS leader in pass efficiency rating each of the last two seasons — Heisman winner Marcus Mariota a year ago (181.75), and this season Vernon Adams Jr. (179.57). Despite losing Adams to injury for all or parts of five games, Oregon ranked fifth nationally in team pass efficiency entering Friday with a 165.91 rating.

Lubick has recruited and developed receivers such as Darren Carrington, Devon Allen and Charles Nelson. Lubick also helped Byron Marshall transition from 1,000-yard rusher in 2013 to 1,000-yard receiver in 2014.

“My mindset is ever since I've been employed here, I wake up every day and try to do the best job I can do to help Oregon football win,” Lubick said. “I did that when Scott was here, and I'm doing it now that he's left.”

On Saturday, Lubick and the UO offense will face a TCU program that has led the nation in total defense six times in 15 seasons under head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs have been hampered by injury this season, and enter the Alamo Bowl ranked 66th nationally in total defense, but they're seventh in third-down percentage and 25th in the red zone.

“They're athletic. They're well-coached. They make you earn everything you get,” Lubick said. “It's a tremendous challenge.”