Helfrich admits Oregon's critical news release was 'a little disappointing'

Though he doesn't plan to lose sleep over it, Mark Helfrich acknowledged Friday that Oregon's eye-popping press release to announce his firing was insult to injury.

"It was a little disappointing," the ex-coach said on ESPN Radio's "Russillo & Kanell" show, according to Tyson Alger of The Oregonian. "But nothing I'll think twice about."

Helfrich was officially canned Tuesday, after weeks of rumors regarding his status with the program spread across the country.

Oddly, the Ducks pointed out in the release to fire Helfrich that he struggled to develop quarterbacks, had an affinity for two-point conversions, and watched his team suffer "one-sided losses" late in the season.

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Despite the ugly 4-8 record, though, Helfrich said Friday he's certain the Ducks were heading in the right direction with him at the helm.

"We had a very, very young team playing a tough schedule and injuries," he noted. "That is probably one of the most frustrating parts. We had it where 10 of the 11 guys playing the right coverage, but one guy wasn't and it was a touchdown."

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The 43-year-old posted a 37-16 record as head coach of the Ducks, and took the program to the national championship game at the end of the 2014 campaign.

A state native, Helfrich suggested it'll take some time for him to digest being ousted from his dream job.

"It would have been easier getting fired from wherever else," he said.