Former University of Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti – one of the most successful football coaches in Oregon’s history — today announced his resignation as Athletic Director at the University and his new role as an ESPN college football analyst. Bellotti will provide studio and game analysis across multiple programs and ESPN platforms. He will make his ESPN debut April 17 at 2 p.m. ET on ESPNU’s telecast of the Auburn spring football game.

“I am really excited to join the best team in college football broadcasting,” Bellotti said. “Working as an analyst for ESPN is a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will bring the insight, experience and expertise I have gathered from 36 years of coaching college football to the studio and telecast booth. Spring ball is in full swing, I can’t wait to start.”

Bellotti was named Oregon’s athletic director, overseeing the entire operation of the school’s athletics department, on July 1, 2009, following 14 seasons as head coach of the University’s football program.

“Coach Bellotti ranks as one of the most successful head coaches in the perennial power Pac-10 Conference,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production. “His knowledge and experience will deepen our roster of analysts and provide us with a unique perspective of someone who recently coached in the game.”

In 14 seasons as head coach, Bellotti guided Oregon to a 116-55 record, becoming the school’s winningest football coach. During his tenure, he led Oregon to 12 postseason appearances and six bowl victories, a share of two Pacific-10 Conference titles, a school-record 11 wins and No. 2 national ranking in 2001, nine seasons with eight or more victories, and a Top 25 national finish in six of the last 10 years.

Bellotti joined Oregon in 1989 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Rich Brooks in 1989.

Bellotti graduated from UC Davis in 1973.

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