Oregon announces pair of key defensive staff hires

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has found his defensive line coach. The Ducks announced Thursday in a press release that Tony Tuioti has been hired for for the position.

The Ducks also officially introduced Demetrice Martin as their cornerbacks coach.

Tuioti brings with him a wealth of experience both in the NFL and Power 5 ranks. Before joining Oregon, he spent the past three seasons as the defensive line coach for Nebraska. Prior to that he made stops at Cal, Michigan and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. An alumnus of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, he also spent six seasons at Hawaii from 2008-13.

“I am thrilled to have Tony Tuioti joining us here at Oregon,” Lanning said. “He is one of the top defensive line coaches in the country, and he has a tremendous track record both in recruiting and player development. His experience coaching at the NFL and Power 5 levels will be a huge asset to our coaching staff, and his connection and familiarity with the West Coast, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands is extremely valuable.”

Tuioti enjoyed much success with the Cornhuskers, with two of his defensive lineman earning All-Big Ten honors during his first season. All three of his starters from that year were on NFL rosters in 2020.
 
He improved the defensive line further in 2020, with the Huskers lowering their yards allowed per rush from 4.82 to 4.17. Highly regarded as a recruiter, he helped Nebraska sign a top-25 recruiting class in 2021.

“My family and I are extremely excited and blessed to have the opportunity to work at the University of Oregon,” Tuioti said, “a place with great fans, a winning tradition, and a national brand! Coach Lanning is a great defensive minded coach and I can’t wait to get started working with the staff and getting to know and serve the young men in the program. Go Ducks!”

Martin is accustomed to coaching the Pac-12, as all of his Power 5 coaching opportunities thus far have come in the conference. He began as a graduate assistant for USC in 2006, but has also coached at Washington, UCLA, Arizona and, most recently, Colorado.

Martin’s son, Cole Martin, is a four-star defensive back in the Class of 2023 rankings, according to On3. Perhaps the addition of his father as an assistant will play a role in recruiting him to Eugene.

“I am super stoked for the opportunity to work at the University of Oregon, a premier university in one of the top conferences in the world.” Martin said. “Combine this with the energy, enthusiasm, experience, and expertise of the staff that Coach Lanning is putting together, and I know we have the perfect storm brewing. Then you add in the top fan base in the Pac-12! It’s on and Quack’n! Go Ducks!”