Oregon Ducks Hire Former NFL Verone McKinley for Recruiting Staff

The Oregon Ducks football program has bolstered its coaching and recruiting staff by hiring former standout defensive back Verone McKinley III. McKinley, a consensus All-American at Oregon and a former NFL player with the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, will serve in a personnel and recruiting role, leveraging his ties to Texas to help boost Oregon's highly ranked recruiting class. Oregon coach Dan Lanning praised McKinley’s return, highlighting his connection to the program and the value of former players contributing to the team's culture and future success. McKinley's collegiate career was notable for leading the Pac-12 in interceptions and earning multiple accolades, while his professional experience adds credibility to his new role. This move continues a trend of former Oregon players, including Ryan Walk, returning to the program to support coaching and recruiting efforts. The Ducks currently hold the No. 3 recruiting class nationally for 2026, and McKinley’s addition is expected to further enhance their recruiting prowess.