PHOENIX (AP) - Oregon coach Mark Helfrich has a head start on the Pac-12's two other new coaches.

The former offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly, Helfrich should make a seamless transition now that his former boss is coaching the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Colorado's Mike MacIntyre and California's Sonny Dykes will likely have more difficult tasks in turning around programs that have struggled in recent years.

MacIntyre led an impressive turnaround at San Jose State, taking the Spartans to an 11-win season three years after winning one game. He takes over a Colorado team that had its worst season in its 123-year history, going 1-11.

Dykes' job shouldn't be quite as difficult, taking a program that still has some talent and upgraded facilities.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls