Aiken to coach defensive linemen for Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Oregon has hired Ron Aiken to serve as defensive line coach under new head coach Mark Helfrich.

Aiken replaces Jerry Azzinaro, who went with former Oregon coach Chip Kelly to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

The 57-year-old Aiken was the defensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals for the past six seasons. Before that, he was the defensive line coach at Iowa for eight seasons.

The Ducks were ranked No. 2 in the final AP Top 25 after finishing 12-1 this season, capped by a 35-17 victory over Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Kelly coached the Ducks for four seasons before leaving for the Eagles on Jan. 16. Helfrich, Oregon's offensive coordinator, was promoted four days later.

Oregon announced the hiring of Aiken on Friday.