Dan Lanning explains what has surprised him most about Oregon

Dan Lanning is still getting used to Oregon. Tasked to takeover the Ducks, the former Georgia defensive coordinator hopes to be in Eugene for years to come. Still, dealing with a place so new is bound to bring surprises.

As Lanning gets his feet wet with the Ducks, he explained what has surprised him most about Oregon thus far.

“The love for the program is so strong,” stated Lanning, via his 2022 National Signing Day press conference. “I’ve been so impressed.

“We got some time last night to spend with the alumni base .. to spend with former players. And hearing their passion for our program, how much they love Oregon has really stood out to me. We got an opportunity to hangout with Haloti Ngata this past weekend. Kenjon Barner. And the hearts. These guys have big hearts. They care about Oregon. To be sitting there with a guy that’s won Super Bowls and he’s offering to give you a ride, or show up to a dinner or just be around. That means the world to me. I’m excited about that. That’s certainly been a welcome surprise.”

In his short time at Oregon, Dan Lanning has learned that the hopes of the many lay on his shoulders. If he can keep the Ducks among the elites of the Pac 12, he’ll enjoy immense popularity.

However, if he fails to do so, the love Oregon faithful has for their program will turn to anger focused on Lanning.

Lanning on recruiting: ‘A challenge we welcome.’

Furthermore, Dan Lanning applauded his staff for the uphill battle they faced during recruiting. While Lanning was finishing his tenure at Georgia, his staff was aiding him with finding the right players for his next venture.

In his press conference for National Signing Day, Lanning touched on the subject, praising his coaches.

“For us as a staff it was a challenge, but a challenge we welcome,” stated Lanning. “You know, Oregon’s a phenomenal place. We’ve got the ability to get great players here. I think that people just had to have an opportunity to sit down, listen to us and realize we have a genuine group here that care.

“Certainly excited about the group we were able to put together.”

As you can see, Dan Lanning and his staff welcome the challenges of building a program. While there will be plenty of obstacles for his the coach and his staff to overcome, the Oregon leader looks to be the right man to lead the ship.