It was a very short, but somewhat intense period for Oregon football on Sunday. Mark Richt retired from Miami and suddenly Oregon fans had a case of Deja Vu.

While the result is what all Oregon fans hoped for, let’s not pretend there wasn’t some cause for concern. Credit Miami for trying to move swiftly, but Manny Diaz was not the their first target. That was definitely Mario Cristobal’s job to have but he decided to stay at Oregon.

Which means the biggest threat to pulling Cristobal away is likely at least three years or more away from coming up again.

This was originally going to be my three keys to victory. But given what transpired in the last 24 hours, I called an audible.

This might just be the ‘Redbox bowl’ but it’s a big day for the future of Oregon football.

Why?

We can start with the obvious of keeping Mario Cristobal, which can’t be understated. For this program to feel some sense of continuity is such a massive step in the right direction. For these players to have some sense of consistency around them is huge.

Oregon won 8 games this season and could potentially finish with 9 by day’s end. Again, a baby step in the right direction. Oregon hasn't won 9 or more games since 2015 which was capped off by an ugly Alamo bowl loss to TCU. (Yes I went there) Before that, Oregon had not won fewer than 9 games since 2006.

The bulk of this team returns and will now bring with it experience and leadership. Something this team has been lacking for the past few seasons. Only Troy Dye and Dilllon Mitchell remain uncertain about their future. But Oregon at least brings back Justin Herbert and the entire offensive line.

Not only does Oregon bring back a lot of offensive experience and return its starting quarterback, they also keep the same offensive coordinator and all of its offensive assistants. Again this is just another big key for a team looking for some form of consistency these past few seasons.

Off the field Oregon will return its strength and conditioning staff as well. And as good as they’ve done this year with the team, there could be just as much growth this coming season under the direction of Aaron Feld.

Best of all, more help is on the way. Oregon will bring in its highly-touted recruiting class in the Spring and Summer to join the team and push the competition.

For the first time in a while, there is so much more going on than just a Redbox bowl today. Win or lose against Michigan State, it just feels like this program has now taken that next step. With some sense of continuity and stability, this team should continue to flourish under Mario Cristobal for the future and beyond.