cartm25 No. 1 Share Posted 21 hours ago I believe Dan Lanning's greatest--and most important--recruiting win was no player or coach. It was: PHIL KNIGHT Over the years, few football programs (I would argue none) have had a more meteoric rise to rest atop college football amongst the blue bloods of the sport. It's been a wonderful journey to follow, but I can imagine for Phil Knight (especially in recent years before DL arrived) that it may have been rather stressful. PK watched as Kelly took the program to heights previously unthinkable, only to then witness the following: - Kelly leaves for NFL for . . . "greener grass" - Helfrich carries the torch for a couple years, but can't keep up with 21st century recruiting - Willie Taggart assembles the #1 Recruiting class in the nation, only to see it crumble when FSU offers him his "dream job" and he moves on to . . . "greener grass" (after 1 year) - Mario Cristobal, despite his offensive offense, brings in a new era of recruiting levels and consistency. But after a few years, Miami (his "dream job") comes calling and he moves on to "greener grass". Despite living and loving the great Northwest, I'll bet PK was sick of looking at "green grass" Imagine PK's relief when finally . . . FINALLY, a coach rebuffed opportunities to coach for the bluest blue blood programs (including Bama) stating: "The grass is d*** green in Eugene" Not that PK would ever stop supporting the Ducks, but I imagine he then felt ZERO hesitancy in writing checks for NIL, facilities, coaches, uniforms, marketing, etc. Finally! A coach that Phil Knight would run through a wall for. Well done Dan Lanning! 1 2 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck No. 2 Share Posted 19 hours ago As any Husky fan would tell you, and they do in around 33% of every post in Husky forums, Oregon wouldn't be where it is without Phil. They say it with vehemence and vitriol. Oregon is truly such an influence on them that seeing the Ucks,( Husky creativity} lose brings them as much, or more, satisfaction than a win for the dogs does. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartm25 Author No. 3 Share Posted 18 hours ago 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Ducker1 No. 4 Share Posted 14 hours ago On 11/26/2024 at 4:26 PM, 30Duck said: As any Husky fan would tell you, and they do in around 33% of every post in Husky forums, Oregon wouldn't be where it is without Phil. They say it with vehemence and vitriol. Oregon is truly such an influence on them that seeing the Ucks,( Husky creativity} lose brings them as much, or more, satisfaction than a win for the dogs does. Its kinda funny because the Seattle area has 9 times the billionaires as Oregon does. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Duck No. 5 Share Posted 4 hours ago Yes, I'm very glad for Phil. Also, if you're looking for a great book to read over the holidays, I cannot recommend Phil's book 'Shoe Dog' enough. I've read it twice, my wife read it, and our sons as well. It's really a treat. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haywarduck Moderator No. 6 Share Posted 2 hours ago I am just grateful Phil Knight and all of us were fortunate enough to get Dan Lanning. I think it is a fit made in heaven. A program which has supported coaches through losing and dissappointment on its way to building something special deserves a loyal coach. We deserve a great coach of men and athletes. I would also say Dan Lanning deserves to have found Eugene and Oregon. He is a man of integrity and talent seldom found. That pairing of a program built with passion and devotion combining with what Lanning brings is something for all parties to be grateful for this time of year! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
