Dan Lanning on preparing Oregon for Big Ten & learning from Nick Saban | Big Noon Conversations
Jul 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Dan Lanning, the head coach of Oregon's football team, talks about the Ducks' transition to the Big Ten. He shares insights from his time under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he earned his 'doctorate of football.' Lanning discusses innovative recruitment strategies and the challenges coaches face with roster management in today's evolving college football landscape. He emphasizes the significance of teamwork and adapting to new opponents, all while maintaining optimism about the future of the sport.
Dan Lanning credits his transformative experience at Alabama under Nick Saban as crucial to developing his structured coaching philosophy.
The Oregon Ducks face unique recruiting challenges in the Pacific Northwest, necessitating a commitment to sourcing diverse talent from various regions.
Deep dives
Learning from a Football Legend
The head coach of the Oregon Ducks shares his transformative experience at Alabama, where he felt he earned his 'doctorate in football' under Nick Saban. He realized that despite his previous knowledge, there was much to learn about coaching and organizational skills in high-level football. The consistency that Saban exhibited in his daily routine greatly impressed him, showcasing the dedication necessary for excellence. This influence shaped Lanning's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of a structured schedule and the willingness to learn from others in the field.
Commitment to Oregon
Lanning expresses a deep commitment to staying at Oregon, stating he feels indebted to the program that took a chance on him. He emphasizes the importance of being in a place where he can build a long-term future for his family and achieve the goals he set for the team. He believes there is still much potential left to explore at Oregon, reinforcing his desire to accomplish significant milestones with the Ducks. This loyalty is further fueled by his understanding of the realistic paths to winning a national championship in college football.
Navigating Challenges in the Pacific Northwest
Coaching in the Pacific Northwest presents unique challenges, particularly the difficulty of sourcing local talent. Lanning acknowledges the necessity of finding players willing to step out of their comfort zones to be part of the Oregon football program. The Ducks have cultivated a diverse team, attracting talent from various regions to create a dynamic and competitive environment. This melting pot not only enhances team unity but also fosters a culture where commitment to hard work is shared among all players.
Future of College Football
Lanning believes adaptability is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, particularly concerning recruiting and roster management. The emergence of the transfer portal and changes in player expectations have significantly shifted how teams build their rosters, making flexibility more important than ever. He points out that understanding the implications of these changes requires coaches to stay ahead of trends and actively adapt their strategies. The head coach is optimistic about the future of college football, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the sport and the opportunities for growth within it.
FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt sits down with Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning to discuss the Ducks move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten this season. Lanning explains how the team's preparation may be different with playing new opponents. Lanning also shares what he learned from Nick Saban while on his staff and reveals he received his "doctorate of football" at Alabama. Lanning and Klatt discuss the CFB calendar and the difficulties coaches face in constructing a roster. Despite the challenges and many changes happening in college football, Klatt and Lanning agree that the quality of the sport is as good as its ever been.