Dan Lanning reveals how he convinced Seven McGee to stay 90 minutes after he entered the portal
Dan Lanning is already convincing Oregon players of his coaching prowess. To illustrate, a perfect example of his instant impact was the decision of running back Seven McGee.
Originally, McGee intended to enter the transfer portal following the arrival of Lanning to Eugene. Whether he felt like it wasn’t the right fit or if he wanted to explore his option, McGee was ready to leave Oregon. Then, less than two hours later, the Oregon running back changed his mind.
“After talking with @CoachDanLanning and @CoachDonJ [Don Johnson] I have decided not to enter the portal,” McGee tweeted Monday night.
It was a surprising turn of events, but Lanning elaborated on how he was able to convince McGee to stay in an appearance on Sportscenter.
“I got the magic touch, right?” joked Lanning. “It’s so hard in today’s day in age to connect with players quickly, there’s just not enough time in the day. I wasn’t even really on campus for a day. But my goal is to get with every single player — whether it be through text message, sit down meeting. I think Seven just needed to be able to have somebody to sit down with him and talk to him about the vision of the program.
“Give us an opportunity not to trust us, but to earn his trust. I’m very appreciative that he was willing to do that.”
Evidently, keeping McGee was important to Lanning. Originally, the running back came to Eugene as a four-star recruit out of East High School in California. At the time, McGee was the No. 16 recruit in California and the No. 11 running back recruit in the country from the Class of 2021, according to the On3 Consensus.
Many have wondered in Oregon should’ve hired a candidate with stronger ties to the university, but Dan Lanning is already convincing players that he was the right hire for the Ducks.
More on Dan Lanning, Oregon
Oregon will formally introduce Dan Lanning at a press conference at 2:00 p.m. PT on Monday. However, Lanning will remain coaching the Bulldogs for the College Football Playoff before permanently heading out West.
In the university’s announcement, Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens touted his new coach.
“Dan is an outstanding, high-energy football coach who will provide a world-class experience for our football student-athletes,” Mullens said. “He is a tremendous recruiter and developer of talent, and we will continue to compete for championships while providing an environment where our football student-athletes can develop to their fullest potential in the classroom, on the football field, and as people.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have Dan as the leader of our football program, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes. We are excited to welcome Dan, Sauphia, Caden, Kniles, and Titan to the Oregon family!”