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Oregon Football: Dan Lanning already winning battles vs. Mario Cristobal

By Connor Muldowney

New University of Oregon football coach Dan Lanning flashes the "O" Monday after being introduced as the head coach for the Ducks in Eugene. Lanning joins the Ducks in his first head coaching job. Previously defensive coordinator for the University of Georgia (12-1), Lanning was a hot commodity around college football circles, running a Georgia defense that is arguably the best in the country. Read more in Sports, Page 1B.Eug 121321 Lanning 04
New University of Oregon football coach Dan Lanning flashes the "O" Monday after being introduced as the head coach for the Ducks in Eugene. Lanning joins the Ducks in his first head coaching job. Previously defensive coordinator for the University of Georgia (12-1), Lanning was a hot commodity around college football circles, running a Georgia defense that is arguably the best in the country. Read more in Sports, Page 1B.Eug 121321 Lanning 04 /
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Dan Lanning and Mario Cristobal were both hoping to land Tosh Lupoi, but the new Oregon football coach beat out the old one.

Oregon football fans are rooting for Dan Lanning to succeed in Eugene despite him not exactly being their top option for the head coaching job after Mario Cristobal left.

But taking over a program that was suddenly abandoned by a coach who handled the situation terribly is going to draw plenty of support from the fanbase. Lanning could be the savior of the program after Cristobal left it in an interesting spot. He led the Ducks to a 10-3 season and an Alamo Bowl berth before bolting for Miami.

It’s safe to say that Cristobal isn’t a well-liked figure in the state of Oregon if you’re a Duck fan. He’s not quite at the Willie Taggart level of hatred, but he’s close.

So when Lanning outdoes Cristobal in any way, you can bet that Oregon fans will be jumping for joy.

Well, that first little victory has happened for Lanning over Cristobal.

In fact, the new Oregon football coach and Cristobal were both in the market for the same assistant coach and Lanning won the battle. Tosh Lupoi was a top target for Cristobal and his new staff at Miami but Lanning also wanted him and the Jaguars defensive line coach chose Eugene as his next home.

Insert Grinch evil grin GIF.

Cristobal may have more experience as a head coach and his program in Miami is intriguing, but Lanning and Lupoi worked together at Alabama back in 2015 before the former left for Georgia with Kirby Smart. Lupoi has spent some time in the NFL but will now serve as Oregon’s next defensive coordinator.

Sorry, Mario, but this seems like karma.

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