Dan Lanning doubles down on coaching career decision

Once again, Dan Lanning declared what he has consistently maintained through every coaching rumor and hot list.

Appearing as a guest on ESPN's College Football GameDay, Lanning said, "I appreciate what I have here so much. This will be my spot. This is where I'm at forever."

He's said the same thing every December since arriving in Eugene, ever since being rumored for the Alabama job when Nick Saban retired in January 2024.

He said again for the people in the back at the GameDay set, "The grass is damn green."

Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens plucked Lanning off the staff of national champion Georgia in 2021 after Mario Cristobal bolted for Miami, an up-and-coming defensive coordinator just a few years removed from driving all night to ask for an interview for a graduate assistant job at Pitt.

That was 14 years ago, showing up early and leaving late, charting the defense and making the coffee to rise to recruiting coordinator, linebackers coach and then DC for the Bulldogs, coach of a defense that sent five players to the first round of the NFL draft after the 2022 season.

Commitment and consistency separate one of college football's most dynamic

Lanning's openness about his intentions contrasts brightly with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, who has played coy with the media with a will-he-or-won't he saga, toying with offers from Florida and LSU as his team enters a rivalry week with a chance to make noise in the College Football Playoff at 10-1.

"This is where I'm at, forever," Lanning said.

His unchanging stance motivates his team and solidifies Oregon's recruiting efforts, where currently the Ducks have the nation's No. 5 class for 2026.