Dan Lanning to Alabama rumors heat up as Oregon HC reportedly in Tuscaloosa amid news of Nick Saban's retirement

After Nick Saban's retirement announcement, the possibility of Oregon coach Dan Lanning heading to Alabama has been picking up steam in the past few hours. Lanning just completed his second year with the Ducks and led them to a 12-2 record. He finished the 2023 season with a 45-6 Fiesta Bowl win over the Liberty Flames.

As such, many believe he could be the potential successor to Nick Saban. According to CBS, the Oregon Ducks coach is currently in Tuscaloosa. While the reason behind his visit is unknown, speculation is rife that Lanning is scoping out the possibility of moving on from Oregon and joining Alabama as head coach.

Lanning received a one-year extension from Oregon back in November after defeating Arizona State. He is due $7.2 million and has a buyout clause of $20 million with the Ducks. However, that figure may not be daunting for Alabama if it wants to find someone who can carry on the legacy that Nick Saban built.

Furthermore, Lanning has connections to the program and coach Saban. In 2015, he served as a graduate assistant under Saban when the program emerged as the national champion by defeating Clemson.

---

Will the Dan Lanning to Alabama rumors come true?

At the moment, it is difficult to say if Lanning is looking to move on from the Oregon Ducks. When his name was linked with Texas A&M last year following the firing of Jimbo Fisher, Lanning shot down the rumors and said he had no plans of leaving the Ducks:

"I think I've been really, really clear here since Day 1, 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 that I want to accomplish here at Oregon.

"My No. 1 priority is being elite here at Oregon and we have the resources, the tools- anybody that can't understand why you want to be here at this place does not understand exactly what exists here."