Lanning Ends Speculation, Stays with Oregon

**Dan Lanning Reaffirms Commitment to Oregon Amidst Coaching Carousel**

Eugene, OR – Oregon Ducks head football coach Dan Lanning put an emphatic end to speculation about his future on Thursday, January 11th, definitively stating he would remain in Eugene. His declaration came around 10:30 a.m. PT via a video posted to his official X account (@CoachDanLanning), just a day after legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, sending shockwaves through college football and igniting a frantic coaching search.

In the brief video, Lanning, who had been widely identified as a top candidate for the coveted Alabama position, addressed the rumors head-on. “I’m not going anywhere. We’re building something special here,” Lanning stated firmly, concluding with a direct “Go Ducks.” The message quickly resonated with Oregon fans and provided a crucial sense of stability for the program.

Lanning, 37, has quickly established himself as one of college football’s most promising young coaches. He has just wrapped up his second season leading the Ducks, amassing an impressive 22-5 overall record during his tenure. The 2023 season saw Oregon go 12-2, including a dominant 45-6 victory over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl, culminating in a No. 8 ranking in the final Associated Press Poll.

His success, coupled with his strong recruiting prowess and defensive background cultivated during his time as Georgia’s defensive coordinator, made him a natural fit for many high-profile openings, including the one at Alabama. Other prominent names circulating for the Alabama job included Washington’s Kalen DeBoer (who ultimately accepted the position), Florida State’s Mike Norvell, and Texas’s Steve Sarkisian, highlighting the intense competition for top coaching talent.

Lanning’s commitment is particularly significant as the Oregon Ducks prepare for a momentous move to the Big Ten Conference for the 2024 season. His leadership provides a crucial anchor as the program navigates this major transition, both on the field and in recruiting.

The stability is further cemented by the substantial contract extension Lanning signed in July 2023. The six-year, $45 million deal keeps him in Eugene through the 2028 season and includes a robust $20 million buyout clause, signaling a long-term investment from the university. This isn’t the first time Lanning has publicly squashed coaching rumors; he previously addressed speculation linking him to the Texas A&M job in late 2022, consistently affirming his dedication to Oregon.

With Lanning firmly at the helm, Oregon can now focus on capitalizing on its recent success, maintaining its strong recruiting momentum, and preparing to make an impact in its new conference home. His definitive statement underscores his belief in the program’s direction and the “special” foundation he continues to build in Eugene.