Oregon believes most of its fans are against earlier kickoff time being proposed by the Pac-12GETTY IMAGES
Univ. of Oregon AD Rob Mullens "shot down the idea" of 10:00am PT kickoffs at Autzen Stadium next season and discussed other issues facing his school and college football in a Q&A with John Canzano of the Portland OREGONIAN. Mullens said of the potential for early kickoffs in the Pac-12, "It's one of those things we're all trying to figure out. For us, I've heard from our fans and I've heard from our student athletes -- it's not likely." Below are more highlights from Mullens' Q&A:
- On the financial gap the Pac-12 faces vs. Power Five peers: "We still have to close that gap. ... I do think the Pac-12 and the ADs are working more collaboratively to make sure that we're exploring every option."
- On job offers he's turned down to stay at Oregon: "It's a forever place for me. We've been here nine and a half years, our boys were three and five when we moved here. [My wife] Jane is from Tacoma, it's an absolute perfect fit for us. This is exactly what I dreamed about when I wanted to be an athletic director. It's a forever place for us."
- On the discussions internally at the NCAA about the name, image and likeness issue: "I'm hopeful we can come up with a national solution" (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/5).
