Watch: Dan Lanning discusses Oregon's roster, preparation for Holiday Bowl
For the first time in nearly two weeks, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning met with reporters on Friday for a scheduled media availability.
Lanning and his staff have been out on the road recruiting for much of the month of December, and have a crucial weekend ahead on the recruiting front.
During his 10-minute media availability, Lanning fielded questions regarding recent roster movement, the hire of offensive coordinator Will Stein, and his team’s preparation for the Dec. 28 Holiday Bowl against North Carolina.
Watch his full interview below.
Key quotes
What have the last three weeks been like for you as you juggle recruiting, the transfer portal, and bowl prep?
“That’s the name of the game. You have to go out there and adapt. Right now, I think one of the biggest things about college football is who can go out there and adapt the best. Who can handle all the adjustments that are required. I think we have a great staff that’s done a good job of that.”
What was the process of hiring offensive coordinator Will Stein?
“We were really thorough. I think as a coach you always have to be prepared for a transition, especially when you’re successful. When you talk about having a staff that you want to reach their goals and aspirations — you want to be able to create those opportunities — you have to be prepared for those moments. After going through a really detailed search and working through with our staff the direction we wanted to head, it was a perfect fit.
“He’s an elite coach. He’s experienced as a play-caller and a coach. I love hiring people who have high school coaching experience as well because you see it through a different lens. He’s done that and he’s done it at a really high level. The guy has won everywhere he’s been so we’re really excited to have him on our team.”
Did Lanning have a relationship with Stein previously?
“More through people than anything. Not a direct friendship or anything. For me, it’s about hiring the best people. It doesn’t always mean it’s someone you spent intimate time with but you can recognize from afar. There’s a lot of people I could connect with that could point me in the right direction of what we thought he was and he’s certainly that.”
What are your thoughts on Noth Carolina?
“Yeah, they’re a good team. I’ve got a lot of respect for (head coach Mack Brown) and the job that he’s done there. Obviously, they’re playing a championship in their conference, really explosive on offense. Got a great quarterback that did a lot of things.
“I’ve worked with some of the guys that they have on their defensive staff. I think they do a really good job. So it’s a great opponent, you want to play a good team. And we got fortunate to play a good team in the bowl game.”
