What is absurd is comparing the current program to the days of Rich Brooks, or implying that their troubles are "one bad season." The Ducks' recruiting has been declining for years, which is why they are now shockingly low on talent. Their defense was so bad last year that Helfrich demoted the DC he hired, then hired another man who had never been a major college DC. There was no one -- NO ONE -- in the professional sportswriter ranks who expected the Ducks to compete for the Pac-12 title this year, nor anyone who expects the same next year. Nor is there much to build on: it is hard to name any Oregon unit, offense or defense, that is projected to be among the Pac's top 2-3 next year. 

Since you have obviously missed it, let me point out the obvious: this isn't 1977, and the bar is much higher. The Oregon athletic department's revenues were #1 in the nation for 2013-14 and they're still in the top 20 or so. It's a business, and businesses need sound leadership.