It’s official. Tony Tuioti is coming to Eugene.

It was reported earlier in the week that the Nebraska defensive line coach was a target of Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, and on Thursday the Ducks made it official. Tuioti is coming back to the West Coast.

“I am thrilled to have Tony Tuioti joining us here at Oregon,” Lanning said in a release. “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 Five 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.

“Coach Tuioti is a terrific teacher, and I know our student-athletes are going to absolutely love working with him. Family is extremely important to him, and that really stood out during this process and made it clear he is a great fit for this program. I am honored to welcome Tony and his wife, Keala, their three daughters, Teisa, Teiyana, and Teinia, and their four sons, Teivis, Teilor, Teitum, and Teimana, to the Oregon family.”

Tuioti comes to Oregon after three seasons at Nebraska. Prior to his stint on the Husker staff, he coached at California (2017-18) and Hawaii (2000-01, 2010-15). He also worked as the director of player personnel at both Hawaii (2008-09) and Michigan (2016). Tuioti spent two seasons as an assistant for the Cleveland Browns as well (2014-15).

“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!”

While the Huskers have struggled under head coach Scott Frost, the problems haven’t been on defense. Tuioti’s defensive front has shown marked improvement year over year since his arrival. NU was better as a run-stopping team every year under Tuioti.

Tuioti coached two defensive linemen to all-Big Ten accolades in his first season at Nebraska in 2019, and all three of his starters were on active NFL rosters in 2020. That 2019 Huskers defense held three opponents to less than 90 rushing yards and three teams to less than 100 passing yards, while Tuioti’s defensive line combined for 32.0 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. His work with defensive tackle Damion Daniels this past season has Daniels in position to make an NFL roster as well.

Tuioti is the fourth official addition to Lanning’s Oregon staff so far, joining offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, co-defensive coordinator Matt Powledge, and cornerbacks coach/defensive passing game coordinator Demetrice Martin. The Ducks have also been linked to NFL assistants in Adrian Klemm and Tosh Lupoi.