Dan Lanning addressed coaching rumors and the evolving landscape of the sport

Jason Jones

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Dan Lanning addressed coaching rumors and the evolving landscape of the sport image

Dan Lanning is one of about five names that every college football fan knew would get linked to certain high profile job openings at other institutions. Now that at least LSU, Penn State, and Florida have job openings, the ‘who can we poach’ aspect of these coaching searches were certain to include Lanning’s name. On Thursday, the Oregon head coach spoke with Rich Eisen and addressed some of the coaching rumors and an ever evolving landscape in college football.

On the subject of current job openings around college football, Lanning gave his fatherly answers to his interest elsewhere. “I’m not leaving Oregon. Yeah, as long as I win,” Lanning said. “That’s what I always tell my kids. If your dad is winning, we’ll be at Oregon. So I gotta win.”  He would also go into some detail on his thoughts surrounding the open jobs. “I’m grateful for where I’m at and recognizing how fragile and special it is.”

Lanning spent some time on adapting to change. Whether that be losing players to the NFL or the transfer portal, his ability to adapt has been one of his traits as a successful head coach. College football relies heavily on the ability to secure and develop players, creating waves of talent. What Lanning is building in Euguene seems to be based heavily in his ability to recruit, develop and motivate. Something he would likely not be able to do at the level he has if he’s considering greener grass.

Lanning has assembled an impressive stable of talent. Some of which could look to leave if Lanning departed for another program.  Maybe the most important of which is Heisman trophy candidate, QB Dante Moore. A name that was recently mentioned by NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay as a player that needs to return for another year of college. The case study of Justin Herbert and Bo Nix should serve as enough evidence that Moore should return.

Regardless of player movement or retention, it seems clear that Lanning has no interest elsewhere. If he is to be taken at his word, Lanning should be a fixture at Oregon for quite some time. Considering where he has Oregon in the national conversation, Oregon fans shouldn’t be the only ones the believe Eugene is where Lanning should stay.

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Staff Writer