Dan Lanning says leaving Oregon to replace Nick Saban at Alabama was 'never a part of our thought process'

When Nick Saban retired in sudden fashion this January, a number of names immediately came forth as potential replacement at Alabama. Among them: Oregon head coach Dan Lanning.

Coming off two highly-successful years in Eugene and having worked with Saban in the past, Lanning seemed like a natural fit. Instead, he quickly signed an extension with the Ducks and the Crimson Tide moved on.

Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show on Wednesday, Lanning explained he was never really thinking about leaving Oregon this past offseason, even amidst the speculation.

“Nah. It was never a part of our thought process,” Lanning said.

He did, though, take the opportunity to sing Saban’s praises before reiterating his desire to stay at Oregon.

“I’ve got so much respect for Coach Saban,” Lanning said. “And you’re right. The reason I’m talking about process is because I learned that from him. So unbelievable job that he did there. But there’s so much to take care of here at Oregon, that’s always been our focus.”

Picking Oregon was an easy choice for the Ducks quarterback, too

Dillon Gabriel, basically, did not want to go anywhere else to finish his college football career. When he chose Oregon out of the portal, it couldn’t have been any easier.

Gabriel will captain a national title contender in 2024 in his last go ‘round before transitioning to the NFL in 2025. Now in the Big Ten, Oregon is a new face in an old place.

Still, Gabriel’s seen a lot in his six years and everything might fall into place at Oregon.

“I told you, it’s the easiest decision I’ve made in my life,” Gabriel said on Sirius XM. “And that’s just the alignment, you know, with coach Lanning and coach Stein, and the immediate conversation we had. It was more on that the surface level of, you know, how we’re going to do things, rather than if I’m going to do it. And, you know, I think when you make that decision, you’re full force, full go. 

“When I got there in January, January 3, to be exact, you know, I was just, I was all in, you know? And there’s learning curves, there’s ups and downs, but I’m grateful to be in the position I am. Because, who in year six would think that you’re still growing, you’re still uncomfortable, and you’re still pushing yourself. And, you know, conceptually, in the weight room, all you know, areas of your life. So, rather than being stagnant and comfortable, I appreciate the ability to keep growing.”