One Coaching Promotion That Will Boost Dante Moore's Development at Oregon

Eugene, Ore. — When Oregon released its 2026 football staff on Monday afternoon, the most important line on the depth chart had nothing to do with a player: Koa Ka’ai, elevated from assistant quarterbacks coach to full-time quarterbacks coach, will now steer the development of Heisman-caliber signal-caller Dante Moore.

The promotion, necessitated by Will Stein’s departure to become head coach at Kentucky, preserves continuity for Moore, who blossomed in 2025 after transferring from UCLA. Ka’ai has worked daily with Moore since the quarterback arrived on campus in 2024, first as an analyst and later as Stein’s right-hand man. That relationship, forged through thousands of practice reps and film-room hours, will continue uninterrupted as Moore attempts to lead the Ducks back to the College Football Playoff and secure a first-round NFL draft grade in 2027.

Ka’ai’s Oregon roots run deep. A versatile athlete who originally joined the program as a tight end in 2011, he appeared in 24 career games on offense, defense and special teams. After his playing career ended, Ka’ai returned in 2022 as a tight end and running back analyst, quickly earning a reputation for meticulous teaching and an ability to translate complex schemes into digestible language. His collaboration with offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer—then the tight ends coach—caught the attention of head coach Dan Lanning, setting the stage for Ka’ai’s steady ascent through the offensive staff.

Moore’s statistical leap in 2025 underscores the value of that coaching stability. Operating behind a veteran line and guided by Stein and Ka’ai, the junior completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,545 yards, 30 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. The Ducks finished 13-2, reaching the CFP semifinal, and Moore bypassed the 2026 draft to refine his craft for one more collegiate season.

With Ka’ai now running the room, Moore will encounter familiar terminology, drill progressions and practice schedules—an edge that should accelerate refinement of his pre-snap diagnostics, pocket patience and intermediate accuracy. The continuity also benefits Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, who arrived this winter and will spend the season apprenticing behind Moore while competing for the 2027 starting role. Ka’ai’s ability to develop both quarterbacks simultaneously will serve as a referendum on his coaching acumen and reinforce Oregon’s reputation as Quarterback U: since 2020, two former Ducks have heard their names called in the first round of the NFL Draft.

For Ka’ai, the stakes are clear. Help Moore ascend from star to superstar, shepherd Raiola’s transition from five-star prospect to seasoned starter, and Oregon remains a destination for elite quarterback talent long after Stein’s exit. Fail, and the Ducks risk falling behind in an arms race where elite quarterback play is the price of playoff admission.

Moore has already bet on Ka’ai once—by returning to Eugene. Now the coach must return the favor by pushing the quarterback, and the program, one step further in 2026.