Kalen DeBoer addresses his name being linked to job openings
The time has come in the season where, after a handful of openings have come available, several coaches around the country must now speak on their future while they’re trying to prepare for the present. That group includes Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, someone who is currently amidst a race in the Pac-12 and for the College Football Playoff.
DeBoer had to speak on his name being linked to other job opportunities during his press conference on Monday. He made it fairly clear that his attention is only on the Huskies right now, which is a sentiment that applies as much to the rest of his staff as it does to him.
“My focus is 100% on us playing ball right now,” DeBoer stated.
“I heard the same question asked to Ryan Grubb just now about opportunities,” said DeBoer. “I think that’s what I really appreciate about our staff and it starts with me – just being completely focused.”
In this matter, DeBoer also credited Washington AD Troy Dannen for aiding in their effort to remain in Seattle. He engages in enough conversations within the football program that DeBoer, along with others, are more than happy to remain Huskies for the time being.
“When it comes to a contract piece, things like that? I’ll just make sure it’s known that Troy has done a great job of approaching me and working together to try to make sure that continuity exists here at U-Dub,” said DeBoer. “That doesn’t just happen overnight. But those efforts are certainly being made and I’m appreciative of that.”
With programs like Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Boise State already set to start coaching searches, there’s no telling what other positions could come open. That means this likely won’t be the last time that DeBoer, who owns a 21-2 record in his past 23 games, or his staff has to address what could come next for themselves, especially if their team wins their conference and competes in the playoff.
Still, that mission in Seattle remains all that’s on his mind at the moment.
Dan Lanning shoots down idea of leaving Oregon for Texas A&M
With Jimbo Fisher out at Texas A&M, Aggies AD Ross Bjork is going to swing for the fences. Some big names are in the mix for it already with the largest being Oregon’s Dan Lanning.
Lanning answered a question about the job at A&M on Monday. He subsequently shot down the idea that he would leave Oregon. His answer didn’t mention the Aggies he but did say there’s “zero chance” he’ll be anywhere but Eugene next season.
“I think I’ve been really, really clear here since day one,” Lanning said. “Everything I want exists right here. I’m not going anywhere. There’s zero chance that I would be coaching somewhere else. I’ve got unfinished business here. There’s a lot I want to accomplish here at Oregon. My number one priority is being elite here at Oregon. We have the resources, the tools — anybody that can’t understand why you would want to be here at this place doesn’t understand exactly what exists here.”
“I’ll continue to say it until I’m blue in the face. I want to be here at Oregon,” stated Lanning. “That hasn’t changed, that won’t change.”