Dan Lanning addresses outlook of Pac-12 with new head coaches

Dan Lanning has made his way back to the Pac 12, but this time as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. On Monday at his first-ever press conference with Oregon, Lanning discussed all things Duck football and even shared his perspective on the landscape of his new conference.

“I’m fortunate enough to be coming back to this league spending some time at Arizona State and there’s always been some premier teams here but organs certainly always been one of them that’s had my eye from a national attention but from what they do and how innovative they are I’m excited to see where this is going with the PAC 12 there’s some great football teams here I think there’s it’s been reinvigorated this league and we’re going to compete at the highest level and I know that there’s going to be some some really tough games in this league that I’m excited to prepare for,” said Lanning.

Lanning and former Oklahoma Sooners turned USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley joined the Pac 12 just before bowl season kicks off. They are the two big-name coaching additions to the Pac 12. Kalen DeBoer became the head coach for the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29. And also, late in November, Washington State removed the interim coaching tag on Jake Dickert, making him the head coach for 2022.

Lanning thanks Smart

As Lanning spoke to the media, he outlined his plan and vision for the program with him at the helm. Lanning also made time to thank those who helped him along the way who helped pave the way for this opportunity. The new Ducks head coach gave a heartfelt thank you, in particular, to his former mentor and current head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart.

“I was fortunate, in my career, to have so many unique opportunities that also happen to uniquely prepare me for this opportunity, this exceptional opportunity. I want to give a special thanks to Kirby Smart and his wife Mary Beth, at the University of Georgia for believing in me and giving me an opportunity. He was so critical in my growth as a coach and has prepared me for this as I sit here today. Every day as an assistant coach everyday as a graduate assistant and everyday as a recruiting coordinator whatever had a wore I always wore that hat knowing I was preparing for the next job and that’s no different today,” said Lanning.