With just three years at Oregon, Dan Lanning has been making waves in the college arena with his incredible leadership. The Ducks are undefeated this season thus far and are a major Big Ten championship contender behind Indiana, and rumors around Lanning’s coaching opportunities have created buzz in NFL circles.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news that Lanning could be a top candidate for an NFL head coaching job. Within no time, restless Oregon fans jumped in to share their reactions on social media.
Dan Lanning NFL Rumors Spark New Debate Among Fans
In his report, Fowler mentioned that an anonymous NFL executive compared his style to that of the Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell, who is known for building a culture from scratch.
“He’s got some Dan Campbell to him,” the executive told ESPN, per Fowler.
While a slew of fans disregarded the report claiming that Lanning could never leave the program, few of them found legitimacy to this news.
“Don’t pull a Nick Saban….might be good in the level you’re at,” said one fan, citing the former Alabama coach’s example.
“Keep him in college,” said another.
“Would be a horrible hire,” quipped a fan reacting to this rumor.
Oregon fans don’t need this kind of stress rn
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 13, 2024
Oregon fans right now pic.twitter.com/UrSok6CASV
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) November 13, 2024
that man is not leaving oregon
— omsportsburner (@omsportsburner) November 13, 2024
I could see him as serious candidate in the NFL
— Mosty Peaceful Mountaineer (@WVeer4Life) November 13, 2024
Lanning Has ‘Unfinished Business’ Before Leaving Oregon
Rumors around Lanning’s coaching transition began a long time ago when he was in his second season at Oregon. Last year, in November 2023, he was linked to Texas A&M and then Alabama later on.
Nick Saban’s abrupt retirement stirred potential succession rumors, but Lanning was clear about his priorities.
“I think I’ve been really, really clear here since Day 1. Everything I want exists right here. I’m not going anywhere,” Lanning said, per The Register-Guard.
“There’s zero chance that I would be coaching somewhere else. I’ve got unfinished business here; there’s a lot that I want to accomplish here at Oregon. My No. 1 priority is being elite here at Oregon,” he added.
Looking at his track record and passion for the Ducks nation, an imminent transition looks unlikely. Oregon is 32-5 since Lanning took over the top job and happens to be a legitimate national championship contender in 2024.
Even if a multi-million dollar offer is on the table, Lanning could certainly pull a Dan Hurley move to stay at college and make an impact that he would rather never attain at the pro level.