This is actually a question for everybody on this forum. Why do you think Dan Lanning made this statement? Why was he so quick to dismiss rumors of him leaving for Bama? Is it Phil Knight? Is it Rob Mullens? Our fan support? Lack of pressure/expectations? I would love to hear your theories.

 

 

On 10/17/2024 at 6:45 PM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

This is actually a question for everybody on this forum. Why do you think Dan Lanning made this statement? Why was he so quick to dismiss rumors of him leaving for Bama? Is it Phil Knight? Is it Rob Mullens? Our fan support? Lack of pressure/expectations? I would love to hear your theories.

 

 

Lots of reasons, including all of the above. But I think he and his family like living in Eugene. It really is a great place to live and raise a family, and I believe that's very important to him.

I agree with Annie, all of the above., He wanted to stop any and all discussion of him leaving Oregon, ASAP. I don't think it's a stretch at all that he sees Oregon as a great place to be now and it will just get better. 

Have you spent much time in 'Bama?

Saw grass ain't near as party as thet there Eugene stuff!

Its a challenge because-Somebody once said you couldnt bring 2 or 3 deep to Eugene and compete with the big boys even with Phill Knight's money. Every thing is in place in Eugene--Metro of almost 400,000 -near the coast and mountains in a beautiful state, some of the best sports facilities in the world and one of if not the loudest of stadiums inthe US. Oregon has been known to be cutting edge as far as making the most of the talent we have. We have already been close and Now it is our time. I can see why DL is here.

I think it is exactly what he said, he has everything he needs here to build a championship team and he does not want to move again at least until his kids finish high school.  Plus, the QUALITY of life in Eugene.

Deferred Compensation plans do not have to be reported, as they can be separate contracts that the public does not know about.  The rumor was that Phil set up one with Dan with a reward for results, but also for longevity at Oregon, hence "Deferred" and paid later.  All rumor, but hinted at in the past and could be uber-millions in NIKE stock.

 

Golden Handcuffs?

 

I think it's rather simple...

 

Oregon has all the resources, a fantastic brand, and is in one of the Power 2 conferences.

 

Phil Knight is your best friend if you're on the same side and Lanning and Phil are on the same side in wanting to secure a National Championship.

 

The expectations at Oregon are as high as anywhere else.. the only difference is that we haven't reached the top of the mountain yet so we're not unbearable to the same degree like Ohio State fans are or Alabama fans may be at season's end.

 

There is one thing that I think also means something to Lanning as well... when he brings home a National Championship for Oregon he brings home Oregon's first in Football. That is something special in the history of any program. He wouldn't be the first at any of the big blue bloods. At Oregon he gets to become a legend.

What I love about DL is that he was not the “hired gun” type coach. He is an energetic young coach with the reputation of being a rising star. Oregon took a calculated risk.

 

(Btw…based on risk reward theory, our hire is already paying much higher returns than the USC “hired gun” acquisition of Riley)

 

Phil Knight and company sat him down and outlined what resources they would provide to help him build a National Championship team. With that support DL has been able to go out and bring in a high caliber support staff, and recruit top notch players.

PLUS…

 

Willamette Valley…”grass seed capital of the world” (cool season grasses)

 

Mild winters, and dry summers are ideal growing conditions.

Another thing to consider is timing.  The world has changed significantly over the past 20 years.  FaceTime, Zoom, social media, increase in travel, etc make distance less of a factor with 18 year old recruits.  
 

I believe this has greatly benefited Oregon in recruiting and Dan is taking full advantage of it.    
 

As others have pointed out, he is getting what he needs at Oregon, including landing top recruits. 

Edited October 18, 2024Oct 18 by GeotechDuck

I also think there is something to be said about the administration you work for and the boosters who support you. We all know the horror stories that come from programs like Auburn, Florida and Texas (pre Sark). They have absolutely zero patience with losing. I can promise you that Sark would’ve been out at Texas if head a losing season in his second year.

 

I believe Oregon doesn’t tolerate losing very well, either. Helfrich is the perfect example. For all the missteps Mullens took early in his time at Oregon, he seems to have done quite a good job over the past several years. Sure, there are some sports that need to improve, but I’m sure he has a plan.

 

It’s very easy to tell when a head coach and AD/boosters don’t have a great relationship (USuC ?). I get a sense that Mullens exercises patience with his coaches and they appreciate him.