Context:

Dan Lanning, the head football coach of the Oregon Ducks, has firmly decided against pursuing a career in the NFL, as he feels a strong connection with the college level and the age group he currently works with. Despite once considering an NFL career, Lanning has found his niche in college football, where he appreciates the unique opportunity and environment that Oregon provides. He has a diverse background in coaching, including experience as a defensive coordinator and even coaching a third-grade basketball team, which contributes to his contentment in his current role. Under his leadership, the Ducks performed impressively as the undefeated No. 1 seed and Big Ten Champions in the 2024 College Football Playoff, though they were ultimately defeated by Ohio State in the quarterfinals. With a promising core team returning, including quarterback Dante Moore, Lanning is focused on building towards a National Championship, valuing the chance to continue his work at Oregon.

Dive Deeper:

• Dan Lanning has clearly stated his intention to remain as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks, rejecting the prospect of moving to the NFL despite past interest. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's niche and expresses his strong connection with college players, which he finds fulfilling.

• Lanning's coaching career includes roles as a defensive coordinator and a variety of other positions, even coaching a third-grade basketball team, which illustrates his diverse experience and adaptability. This background has helped him find satisfaction in his current role at the college level.

• He appreciates the different quality of life in college football compared to the NFL, particularly the unique challenges and opportunities at Oregon, which he finds rewarding despite the absence of certain NFL perks.

• Oregon Ducks excelled in the 2024 College Football Playoff, entering as the undefeated No. 1 seed and Big Ten Champions, though they were defeated by Ohio State. The team’s performance has set a high bar and created optimism for future success under Lanning's guidance.

• With many key players returning, including standout quarterback Dante Moore, Lanning is committed to focusing on the Ducks' potential to contend for a National Championship, making his dedication to his current position both strategic and heartfelt.

• Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning is firm in his decision about his future: he does not want to switch to being an NFL coach anytime soon. He made it crystal clear in his recent statement on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast.

• "No, I used to want to," Lanning said unequivocally.

• "I think you figure out — like we talked about earlier — where do you really fit? Like, where’s your niche? And I do feel like this age group is the group that I connect with unbelievably." 

• The Ducks' head coach argued that he already has experience working across several sports, decorating his resume. Yet, he feels the best in his current situation as a college football coach.

• "I was a D-coordinator and hadn't been a head coach, right? I coached a third-grade basketball team in high school, right? So they gave me an opportunity. Why not do it here? That’s the piece. There's definitely a different quality of life, appreciation in the NFL. They're not recruiting and [wearing] a lot of the hats [we] wear, but every job's got pieces that you’re not in love with. But this is a place that I love doing it," Lanning said.

• Lanning quashed any remaining semblances of doubt saying, "And then more than that, I always think back to it seems like everybody's always thinking about, 'What's next, what's next, what's next?' And for me, I'm more of the 'Thank you.' Like, I get to do this here. I can't imagine going to do this somewhere else because of the opportunity that Oregon's given me."

• The Ducks were a blockbuster in the 2024 College Football Playoff as the undefeated No. 1 seed on the table and the Big Ten Champions. 

• Even though they fell to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals, Oregon left its mark and a glimmering hope to be better next season. The cherry on top is that a majority of their core team from 2024 is returning alongside a strong QB, Dante Moore. 

• It is only fair for him to concentrate solely on his current job, especially when his program is already touted to be a National Championship contender.