Oregon reveals four legends will serve as honorary coaches for spring game
Oregon revealed four legends are returning to campus as honorary coaches for their spring game. In a video announcement on Twitter, the program announced De’Anthony Thomas, Haloti Ngata, Arik Armstead and LaMichael James are going to teaching the Ducks.
“Legends returning,” tweeted Oregon Football. “@DATBLACKMOMBA13, @Haloti_Ngata92, @arikarmstead and @LaMichaelJames will be back in Autzen Stadium on April 23 to serve as honorary coaches at the Oregon Spring Game.”
First, former offensive weapon De’Anthony Thomas and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will coach the Yellow Team. For the Green Team, former running back LaMichael James and defensive end Arik Armstead will lead the charge.
As Dan Lanning looks to lead Oregon into a new era, he’s bringing back some of the legends that helped make Oregon great. It’s a smart tactic, as he’s teaching his players what it takes to win with the Ducks.
While Lanning wants his team to move forward, the lessons learned from the past greats will be invaluable. The Ducks will be better for having four legends return to Eugene to help teach them.
Dan Lanning explains what has surprised him most about Oregon
Dan Lanning is still getting used to Oregon. Tasked to takeover the Ducks, the former Georgia defensive coordinator hopes to be in Eugene for years to come. Still, dealing with a place so new is bound to bring surprises.
As Lanning gets his feet wet with the Ducks, he explained what has surprised him most about Oregon thus far.
“The love for the program is so strong,” stated Lanning, earlier this year. “I’ve been so impressed.
“We got some time last night to spend with the alumni base .. to spend with former players. And hearing their passion for our program, how much they love Oregon has really stood out to me. We got an opportunity to hangout with Haloti Ngata this past weekend. Kenjon Barner. And the hearts. These guys have big hearts. They care about Oregon. To be sitting there with a guy that’s won Super Bowls and he’s offering to give you a ride, or show up to a dinner or just be around. That means the world to me. I’m excited about that. That’s certainly been a welcome surprise.”
In his short time at Oregon, Dan Lanning has learned that the hopes of the many lay on his shoulders. If he can keep the Ducks among the elites of the Pac 12, he’ll enjoy immense popularity.
However, if he fails to do so, the love Oregon faithful has for their program will turn to anger focused on Lanning.