Dan Lanning brings attack first mentality to Oregon Ducks
It was a tumultuous weekend for the Oregon Ducks football program, but the end result was an introductory press conference for new head coach Dan Lanning on Monday afternoon.
Lanning, 35, comes to Eugene with no head coaching experience but a sterling reputation for his work with the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs and their elite, play-making defense.
Lanning made it clear during Monday’s press conference he intends to bring a similar flair and style to Oregon’s defense, while also saying he will “build on the foundation that’s already been established here”.
That foundation produced a pair of All-Americans this past season in safety Verone McKinley III and defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, and while Thibodeaux is off to a bright future in the NFL the future still looks exceptionally bright at Autzen Stadium.
While McKinley is probably joining Thibodeaux at the next level, the Ducks are well equipped for next year with a pair of five star linebackers Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe, as well as defensive backs Mykael Wright, Bennett Williams, and Jamal Hill, along with linemen Mase Funa, Bradyn Swinson, Brandon Dorlus and Keyon Ware-Hudson.
Lanning mentioned his plan is to be attacking constantly, going as far as to say the word passive won’t even be in the program’s vocabulary.
The concern about Lanning’s lack of head coaching experience is understandable, but there is little doubt his expertise coaching defense at the highest level – combined with the talent already on Oregon’s roster, and the potential for high level recruits – should make for a very fun era of Duck football.
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Takeaways: 7 things of note from Oregon coach Dan Lanning's introductory press conference
