Mario Cristobal continues to build his coaching staff this week with the hiring of Jim Mastro as the Ducks’ new running backs coach and run-game coordinator.
Per the Seattle Times, Mastro — who spent the past six seasons with Washington State — will join the Ducks on a three-year, $375,000 contract. Mastro, a veteran coach with two decades worth of experience, is also responsible for the creation of the “pistol” offense with Nevada head coach Chris Ault in 2005.
Sources told the Times that Mastro had cleaned out his desk on Thursday, but delayed announcing his decision out of respect for recently deceased Cougars QB Tyler Hilinski.
Mastro replaces Donte Pimpleton, who followed former Oregon head coach Willie Taggart to Florida State.
Cougars’ running back James Williams voiced his support on Twitter earlier this morning.
Everyone knows the admiration and respect I have for Coach Mastro. After having him look ALL of us RB’s straight in the eye and giving us all the details I would be disappointed if he didn’t take this opportunity.#UltimateRespect #FamilyForever #RBU #TeamMastro
— James Williams (@boobiewilliams2) January 20, 2018
Oregon running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio also chimed in.
Committed to Washington State in HS because of Mastro… just wasn’t the place for me, Oregon is. I know God planned this for us to reunite. More than thrilled to work with him… feels like a dream. Can’t wait to get on the field with my dude!
GODucks!
— Cyrus Habibi-Likio (@cyri3e) January 21, 2018
Mastro is the third coach to depart WSU for Oregon in recent years, following defensive line coach Joe Salave’a and QB coach David Yost.
Oregon and Cristobal still have three assistant coaching spots to fill.
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