Oregon HC Dan Lanning named among leading candidates for Texas A&M job
When you have a young head coach who is finding success on the field, fans are going to have to get used to hearing his name thrown about in conversations about open head coaching jobs across the nation, especially when they come at some of the more notable schools in college football. It comes with the territory, and it’s something fans of the Oregon Ducks should be used to by now.
So on Sunday morning, it might not have been a massive surprise to wake up and hear that Ducks’ coach Dan Lanning was being mentioned as one of the leading candidates for the Texas A&M Aggies job, which opened with the firing of Jimbo Fisher.
Fisher, who is 45-25 in his six seasons at College Station, with the Aggies buying out his $78 million contract in full and eating the loss. The program now searches for candidates who can return the program to heights seen early last decade.
It’s understandable why Lanning is seen as one of the leading candidates. In less than two seasons at Oregon, he has coached the Ducks to a 19-4 record. He appears on his way to a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game and, perhaps, a College Football Playoff appearance should Oregon win its remaining games.
As you would expect, the news of Fisher’s firing, and the subsequent speculation about his replacement, fired up social media on Sunday morning, with Oregon fans feeling some type of way. Here’s a look at how fans were reacting:
Early list of potential names for Texas A&M, knowing money is no object: Lane Kiffin, Mike Elko, Mike Norvell, Dan Lanning, Jeff Traylor, Chris Klieman, Kliff Kingsbury and Kalen DeBoer.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 12, 2023
Sources: Fisher's dismissal is expected this morning. The school plans to honor his contract in full. @TexAgs first reported the firing. https://t.co/EGA8QeqQwc
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 12, 2023
It's worth noting that Lanning's buyout would be an additional $20 million bill for Texas A&M to foot.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) November 12, 2023
He's not leaving Eugene and Oregon for Texas. Sounds like his family is settled in. And he sees the value of Nike money for NILs and signing transfers.
— Barnstorm (@Barnstorm1) November 12, 2023
I'm sure Lanning's agent will get a call.
Lanning is one win from 10 this season, his second 10 win season at Oregon.
That's as many 10 win seasons as A&M has since 1994
Not sure what about that job (other than money) would be enticing for Lanning. https://t.co/MToPt5fPa8— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 12, 2023
Texas AM fires Jimbo Fisher this morning. Kalen DeBoer and Dan Lanning listed as potential names for the opening. https://t.co/dAczbjn0su
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) November 12, 2023
Texas A&M will reportedly be firing another football coach. They will then hire another highly compensated football coach. Does it matter? Have they ever really mattered for any extended period? #GoBlue
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) November 12, 2023
Kalen DeBoer isn't leaving Wahington for that. Norvell is not leaving FSU(in the comfy ACC). Why would Dan Lanning take the A&M gig when Alabama becomes available in a few years? Kiffin might do it https://t.co/KEcDxC5aCX
— Bill Bixby #RollTide (@TSmitty3000) November 12, 2023
If A&M can do it, they need to get Dan Lanning before Bama tries to swoop in out west and grab him whenever Saban ultimately retires.
That would be the home run move that would optimize the resources that they have there in College Station. https://t.co/rHjBhvg34b
— Cole Tarver (@TheColeTarver) November 12, 2023
I’m wagering Florida and Arkansas will also look for new head coaches soon. A good time to be Dan Lanning’s agent. https://t.co/Hfqk4Zkkzv
— J.R. (@rolltidepod) November 12, 2023
Believe me, we’re used to it
— Lskywalker4522560 (@Lskywalker45221) November 12, 2023
Lanning isn't going anywhere. Oregon will be an elite Big 10 program. The stepping stone days are over.
— Scott Pesznecker (@ScottPesznecker) November 12, 2023
If your coach's name isn't on the list, then you aren't a serious progrum. https://t.co/eOHpPvCjrR
— THE UofO Ducks (@jacenmiller) November 12, 2023
Not expecting the Aggies to have like 9-10 million dollars/year to throw at a head coach like Dan Lanning or someone like that
Wouldn’t be shocked to see us hire Mike Elko, Jeff Traylor, or someone like that
— Aggie Sports 365 (@365Aggie) November 12, 2023
The only coach in CFB that is worth paying a $76 million buyout for is…
Dan Lanning
— Kyle (@AllAubarn) November 12, 2023