Dan Lanning: Leaving Oregon for Alabama was 'never really a thought in our mind'

When Nick Saban surprised the college football world and retired as Alabama head coach, Dan Lanning’s name came up right away as a possible replacement. He was a graduate assistant under Saban in the early stages of his career, and he’s been impressive through two seasons at Oregon.

However, Lanning quickly shot down any interest in the opening, making it clear he wanted to stay in Eugene and continue building the Ducks after a 22-5 record through two years. He doubled down on that stance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast on Friday, confirming he had no intention of leaving Oregon for Alabama.

“It was never really a thought in our mind,” Lanning said. “I love Coach Saban and, gosh, I can’t tell you how much he’s done for my career and where I’m at. But I think we can make Oregon the best job in college football, and that happens with focusing on where we’re at.”

The Alabama job wasn’t the only time Lanning’s name came up for a coaching vacancy. He was also rumored to be a candidate for the Texas A&M position that ultimately went to Mike Elko. Again, Lanning reaffirmed his intention to stay in Eugene.

As the Ducks get ready to make the jump to the Big Ten, Lanning again made that clear.

“I made a commitment to players. … People see the commitment publicly, but they don’t see when you sit down on a coach with a family and tell them that you’re gonna be here [and] what that looks like,” Lanning said. “Some coaches say that and it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. For me, that means something.

“I’m committed to being here. I’ve got a 10 year old, and I gotta get him through high school. The only way that doesn’t happen is I don’t win enough. To put my focus on something else other than Oregon football, that’s gonna be a distraction to us to accomplishing that goal.”

Dan Lanning: Oregon can be ‘the best job in college football’

Lanning inherited a program in strong standing after two 10-win seasons in three years under Mario Cristobal. He continued the upward trajectory, leading Oregon to 10 wins in 2022 and 12 in 2023 as the Ducks made it to the Pac-12 Championship.

When Oregon hired Lanning, it was his first-ever head coaching job. That’s not lost on him, and that’s a big reason why he wants to stay with the Ducks.

“The decision was made long before the season started — long before I took this job,” Lanning said. “Oregon took a chance on me. I truly believe this is a job that we can make the best job in college football. And when you feel that way, then let’s put some blood, sweat and tears, and sweat equity into making that the job you think it can be.

“I’m living my dream. I’m at a place that I think we can accomplish every goal we want.”