Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is one of the hottest names in college football. After three straight seasons of 10 or more wins and a breakout 2024 campaign that saw the Ducks finish the regular season 12-0 and win the Big Ten Championship, it’s no surprise that NFL coaching rumors are swirling. But Lanning isn’t biting.
Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning Opens Up About His Interest in Coaching in the NFL
In a recent appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys, Lanning addressed the NFL speculation head-on. When asked whether he wants to coach in the NFL someday, Lanning offered an honest and refreshing answer.
“No, I used to want to,” Lanning said. “I think you figure out, where do you really fit? Like, where’s your niche? And I do feel like this age group is the group that I connect with unbelievably.”
For Lanning, his connection with young athletes and the opportunity Oregon has given him far outweigh the glamour of the NFL. “It seems like everybody’s always thinking about what’s next, what’s next,” he added.
“For me, I’m more of the ‘thank you’ — like, I get to do this here. I can’t imagine going to do this somewhere else because of the opportunity that Oregon’s given me.”
It’s clear that Lanning’s heart is in Eugene. Since arriving from Georgia, where he served as defensive coordinator, he’s turned Oregon into a perennial playoff contender. And he’s done it with a mindset rooted in gratitude and loyalty.
“They believed in me,” Lanning said, referring to Oregon’s leadership. “It wasn’t like I was a head coach coming from somewhere else… They gave me an opportunity. Why not do it here?”
Lanning also revealed his personal motivation to stay. “I promised my kids when we came here: You’re going to get to graduate from the same middle school, the same high school,” he shared. “My kids have lived in eight states. That’s crazy.”
Even as college football undergoes seismic shifts, including looming roster limits from the House settlement, Lanning remains focused. His message is simple: As long as Oregon keeps winning, he has no reason to leave.
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“If I don’t hold up that part, I won’t be here,” he said. “But as long as we win, I can’t see myself anywhere else. I love it.”
With the Ducks already eyeing another run at the College Football Playoff and Lanning’s culture firmly rooted in family and loyalty, Oregon fans can rest easy, for now. Their head coach isn’t chasing NFL glory. He’s chasing championships in green and yellow.
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