This season, there has truly been no comparison to Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. Not only has he led the Ducks to the No. 1 spot in the nation and a flawless 12-0 regular season, but he has also gained a reputation as a madman on the sidelines and in practices – in the best way possible.
From purposefully putting too many players on the field to run extra time off the clock against Ohio State to calling a timeout towards the end of the game versus Michigan to watch Wolverine fans leaving the Big House, Lanning loves to use psychology against Oregon's opponents and to benefit his own squad.
Most recently, Lanning referenced a movie that seeks absolute retribution against Nazis during World War II... None other than Inglorious Basterds.
Normal football coach: let’s go out there and play hard, encourage each other, and have some fun
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 4, 2024
Dan Lanning: attack them with the mindset of Lieutenant Aldo Raine in Inglorious Bastards
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In the film, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (who is played by Brad Pitt) teams up with a group of Jewish soldiers to wreak violent havoc against the Nazis who occupied France during WWII. Lanning's message of the week? Embody the Lieutenant's mindset.
Earlier this season, Lanning referenced Gladiator ahead of Oregon's game against Michigan, repeatedly asking his team, "Are you not entertained?!" and using the thumbs-down motion which signaled that the defeated gladiator should be killed instead of spared.
Lanning has repeatedly proven why he is one of the most inventive, creative, and slightly unhinged head coaches in all of college football.
While some people are turned off by Lanning's less-than-normal methods, they may want to sit back and realize that it takes a few inglorious techniques to win a national championship, which is Oregon's true goal this season.
The No. 1 Oregon Ducks and the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions are scheduled to kick off the Big Ten Championship game at 5 p.m. PT from Indianapolis, IN.