Dan Lanning has proved the naysayers wrong throughout his time with the Ducks as new head coaching job offers have been sent his way from across the country.
Texas A&M wasn’t a good enough job and Alabama wasn’t an appealing enough gig.
For Lanning, it’s the Oregon Ducks because like he said, the grass is damn green in Eugene.
As the Ducks’ head coach has stood by their side throughout multiple rumors of his departure, many fans have asked what exactly is making him stay.
Lanning has repeatedly said that he loves raising his kids in Eugene, he loves the culture of the athletic department, and more. However, the money doesn’t hurt.
As Lanning and Oregon head to the Big Ten, where amongst the conference head coaches does the Ducks’ leader land on salary rankings?
18. David Braun, Northwestern Wildcats – unknown*
17. DeShaun Foster, UCLA Bruins – $3 million
16. Ryan Walters, Purdue Boilermakers – $4 million
15. Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers – $4.25 million
14. .Matt Rhule, Nebraska Cornhuskers – $5.5 million
T-10. Jonathan Smith, Michigan State Spartans – $6 million
T-10. Sherrone Moore, Michigan Wolverines – $6 million
T-10. Bret Bielema, Illinois Fighting Illini – $6 million
T-10. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota Golden Gophers – $6 million
9. Mike Locksley, Maryland Terrapins – $6.1 million
8. Greg Schiano, Rutgers Scarlet Knights – $6.25 million
7. James Franklin, Penn State Nittany Lions – $6.5 million
T-5. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa Hawkeyes – $7 million
T-5. Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks – $7 million
4. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin Badgers – $7.625
3. Jedd Fisch, Washington Huskies – $7.75 million
2. Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes – $9.5 million
1. Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans – $10 million
Lanning is heading into his third year as a head coach. No, not just the Oregon head coach. The head coach of any collegiate program.
At such a young age, it is truly astounding what Lanning has been able to accomplish with the Ducks and the money he is earning is simply a reflection of that work.
Lanning has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and hopefully, it's always with the Ducks.