'Refreshing to be here': Dan Lanning reflects on Oregon Ducks football journey to 2024 Big Ten Media Days
By Ethan Lee
The Oregon Ducks and their head football coach made their debut at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday, marking a rather significant milestone for the program as it makes the move into the prestigious conference. Dan Lanning spoke about the move from the Pac-12 and into the Big Ten, where the Oregon football team will face some exciting prospects of elevated competition.
But Lanning didn’t just speak about Oregon’s move. He also discussed a bit about his journey to the Ducks. The head coach of the Oregon football team opened his remarks with a nod to his past success and current role.
"It's certainly great to be back here in Indianapolis. The last time I was in this stadium, I got to enjoy a National Championship with some of my former players there at Georgia,” Lanning stated. “It's refreshing to be here. 2 1/2 years from that moment, it's been so rewarding to be a part of our program at Oregon, and certainly excited about that."
Lanning brings a wealth of experience to Oregon Ducks football and he’s tasted the highest level of college football success. And his success in his first two seasons makes it clear that he’s the right man to be leading the Ducks into a new era in the Big Ten.
Dan Lanning embraces new era for Oregon Ducks football at Big Ten Media Days
As part of discussing the new home for the Ducks, Lanning ensured that he noted the work that Tony Petitti, the Big Ten’s commissioner, has done to help move the conference forward. Lanning spoke highly of the conference commissioner during his time at Big Ten Media Days.
"I want to start by thanking our commissioner, Tony Petitti,” Lanning said. “I've been so impressed sitting in these Big Ten meetings early as a newcomer, not only with his vision of the conference, but his ability to listen and work with our coaches."
But it wasn’t just the head of the conference’s leadership that Lanning wanted to give props to. The head coach of the Ducks also took time to recognize his contemporaries across the Big Ten, highlighting the competitive spirit and care for the sport that he’s seen in Oregon’s new home.
“Every one of us is competitive, but what's impressive about that room is how much they care about people and how much they care about the game, and their leadership certainly shows up in this conference and something we're grateful to be a part of," Lanning explained.
As the Oregon Ducks get started in the Big Ten under Lanning’s guidance, it’s safe to say that Lanning is looking forward to being in a thriving conference. His words at the 2024 Big Ten Media Days make that clear. And, to be completely honest, it’s hard not to be excited for the Ducks’ future as the Big Ten has brought immediate stability and an exciting path forward for the Oregon football team.