The Oregon Ducks are undergoing significant changes this offseason as former offensive lineman and analyst Dallas Warmack has announced his departure from the program to reunite with former offensive coordinator Will Stein at Kentucky.
This transition comes just weeks into the offseason, during which head coach Dan Lanning is managing multiple staff departures. Warmack, who previously served as an offensive analyst, will step into the role of assistant offensive line coach at Kentucky, partnering with fellow assistant coach Derek Warehime and offensive line coach Sep 8, 2018.
Warmack, recognized as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2015 recruiting class, spent three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring to Oregon in 2018. At Oregon, he played a pivotal role, starting in all but two games during his junior and senior years, primarily as the right guard. In 2019, the offensive line he was part of was named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, honoring the best offensive line in the nation. Oregon continued to excel, with Warmack contributing to the program becoming a finalist for the award three more times, a feat unmatched by any other program.
After concluding his college career, Warmack had brief tenures with various professional teams, including a stint in the XFL, before returning to Oregon as an analyst. His background as both a player and analyst, particularly within Oregon”s successful offensive line, positions him well to enhance Kentucky”s offensive line as they aim to compete in the SEC.
Warmack is the second significant addition Stein has made at Kentucky, following his move from Oregon. In a recent press conference, Stein expressed confidence in the talent of his new players, emphasizing their ability to adapt through various challenges during the season, saying, “Those guys are a great group, led by A”lique, Cutter in that room, Ryan Walk, and Holden Whipple.” He highlighted the value of team cohesion and coaching quality, which he believes will serve them well in their upcoming challenges.
Alongside Warmack, former director of recruiting strategy at Oregon, Pat Biondo, has also joined Stein”s staff as the general manager at Kentucky. Meanwhile, Jahmile Addae has taken several current Oregon coaches, including Connor Boyd, Darrion Daniels, and Steven Haunga, to his new role at Cal. Furthermore, former Oregon director of high school scouting and recruiting Zac Diles will serve as the assistant director of player personnel at Cal, marking a significant reshaping of coaching staff across these programs.
For Lanning and offensive line coach A”lique Terry, rebuilding the offensive line remains a top priority as they strive to maintain their success in the trenches. With returning starting center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu, Oregon will look to establish a new core in the offensive line room for the third consecutive year. The addition of Warmack and Walk suggests a focus on in-game experience, which may lead to the reintroduction of familiar faces from previous offensive line units.
As the Ducks navigate this offseason, the impact of Warmack”s move to Kentucky will be closely observed by fans and analysts alike, as both programs aim to solidify their respective positions heading into the upcoming season.
