Dan Lanning identifies what sets Oregon culture apart ahead of Fiesta Bowl

Oregon has its roster mostly intact for Monday’s Fiesta Bowl matchup against Liberty. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix is playing in the game, as is star running back Bucky Irving.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning joined ESPN College GameDay Monday morning and discussed the buy-in from his players for the Fiesta Bowl.

“We’re out here playing for the love of the game. That’s what it’s about. We talk about connection within our team, how much you love the guy next to you, reminding yourself what you’re playing for,” Dan Lanning said. “We want to go out here and finish the right way, do it the right way. And our guys are excited to step on the field.”

Lanning is finishing up his second season at Oregon. He led the Ducks to a 10-3 record in 2022, and Oregon has a chance to win 12 games this year.

After the Fiesta Bowl, Oregon will turn its attention to 2024. Lanning shared what he is looking for in players and what kind of culture he wants to build as he continues to work to make the program one of the best in the nation.

“We’re looking for guys with great character, but guys that want to compete,” Lanning said. “One thing that the transfer portal’s allowed is to create a lot of competition within your team. And we want guys that want to go out there every single day and work and try to beat the man next to them and make themselves better.”

Jamey Chadwell credits Dan Lanning for Oregon culture ahead of Fiesta Bowl

Ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell shared that he is impressed with the culture Dan Lanning has at Oregon.

“This is the only bowl game in America where everybody is opting in. That’s a credit to coach Lanning and the culture they have that guys want to play,” Chadwell said, via James Crepea of The Oregonian. Superstar players for the Ducks, such as quarterback Bo Nix, have decided to suit up for the Fiesta Bowl to send Oregon out on a high note.

Only four Oregon players have currently opted out of the game: receiver Troy Franklin, center Jackson Powers-Johnson, defensive lineman Popo Aumavae, and cornerback Khyree Jackson.

Lanning is building something special in Eugene, but the coach won’t take all the credit.

The Ducks have been knocking the ball out of the park just about everywhere, from their on-field play to the transfer portal and their recruiting classes. Speaking with the media, Lanning put the emphasis on his assistants, believing their relentlessness has helped him build the Ducks into a well-oiled machine.

“It’s just an everyday approach,” Lanning said. “I think we’ve got a staff that’s been doing this for awhile. Realize it’s not just about the short-term. It’s about being able to do something every single day. Focus on the long-term goals. These guys that we’re going to get are guys that can really enhance what we’ve built and what we’ve established here.

“So having guys that are open to being at Oregon, and realize what Oregon could be, and then having a staff that’s willing to go get those guys.”