With adrenaline-infused intensity and relentless organization, Dan Lanning has already achieved one career milestone in his fourth year as a head coach.
At 40-6, Lanning has surpassed Chip Kelly in winning percentage at .870. Kelly coached the Ducks for four seasons, 46-7, .868. Lanning's is the highest winning percentage in Oregon history among coaches with two or more seasons. He's won 18 conference games in a row.
On Saturday he achieved another benchmark, reaching 11-6 against Top 25 teams while sending James Franklin to 17-27. According to Brad Crawford of CBS Sports, only 10 power four coaches entered this season with a winning record against Top 25 opponents.
In the Big Ten, Lanning's mark against ranked teams trails only Ryan Day.
With the success the 39-year-old coach and former Division II linebacker has had in crafting a winning program in Eugene, he's drawing more and more attention from NFL owners and GMs. Lanning insists he's firmly planted in Eugene, however.
Dan Lanning says it used to be his goal to coach in the NFL, but now makes it clear that he has zero interest in ever leaving the Oregon Ducks. @CoachDanLanning @InfSportsNet pic.twitter.com/l2MUg5cgXU
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) December 20, 2024
"I still wake up and pinch myself that I get to be the head coach here. I'll never take for granted that they gave me the opportunity," Lanning said to Zach Gelb, host of "Infinity Sports Network" on Sirius XM radio.
Asked if he had NFL aspirations, Lanning said, "It used to be a goal of mine. It certainly did, but I think at this point everybody can realize I'm not going anywhere."
Sports Illustrated NFL and college football reporter Bri Amaranthus captured a special moment on the field after the 30-24 double overtime win over Penn State.
Moments like these.
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) September 28, 2025
Oregon coach Dan Lanning spotted his wife Sauphia and son Titan, rushing into an emotional embrace.
Then he found Rob Mullens - the AD who gave him his first head coaching shot.#GoDucks #WeAre https://t.co/MI8hfAUiWl pic.twitter.com/2AK6qknWRj
Clearly there's a lot of joy and juice in the Oregon program. It might be their secret weapon. There's little in the NFL to duplicate it.
"The Pick" now has a rival as Oregon's most iconic moment.
The game winning moment:
— Quinn Hills (@quinnahills) September 28, 2025
We decided to have me stay put during the second overtime. You can see the end zone crowded with people down there, only for the game winning celebration to come right towards my camera. Super grateful to have captured it! Best media team in the nation. pic.twitter.com/BncVrbNObB