Nakobe Dean reacts to news of Dan Lanning leaving for Oregon

Nakobe Dean formed a special bond with defensive coordinator Dan Lanning during his time at Georgia. However, the two go back even further than that, as they were first introduced when Lanning was just a defensive assistant at Memphis.

When Lanning got his break at Georgia, Dean joined him with the Bulldogs. The duo grew together — Lanning into a sought after coaching candidate, Dean into a future NFL Draft first round selection.

Both Dean and Lanning have their sights set on the College Football Playoff. However, the Georgia star gave his thoughts on the news that his defensive coordinator has accepted the head coaching job at Oregon.

“I’m happy for him,” stated Dean. “The first time I saw Coach Lanning, probably after my freshman year of high school, he was at Memphis. And he came to me, he was like I just wanted to put eyes on you. I don’t know if I’m going to get you here, but I might get you somewhere, at some time. It’s crazy how things worked out.

“So, just to see him continue to grow as I continue to grow — it’a just crazy. I’m happy for him and his family.”

Evidently, Nakobe Dean has nothing but love for Dan Lanning. As the two attempt to end their partnership together with a national championship, it’s evident they both grew immensely throughout their time together.

Dean: ‘We got great leaders on the team, period.’

Furthermore, Nakobe Dean revealed how Georgia’s defense has responded to the news of Dan Lanning’s departure.

“We got great leaders on the team, period,” stated Dean. “With Coach Lanning being out right now, it hasn’t been too much drop off. We feel like we’ve been able to lead the team and get us going .. So, it hasn’t been too much drop off.”

The answer from Nakobe Dean is music to the ears of the Georgia faithful. Instead of letting the next step in Lanning’s career ruin his final moments with the Bulldogs, the defense has the back of their defensive coordinator.

Michigan poses a unique challenge to the Bulldogs, as the Wolverines are built similar to the way Georgia prefers to play football. Both feature strong defenses and good running games, with quarterbacks who aren’t often asked to do too much.

The chess match between Lanning and Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis will be must-see television. All of the Georgia defensive coordinator’s focus will need to be on the Wolverines. Luckily, Nakobe Dean is putting Georgia faithful at ease with him comments.