Oregon's Dan Lanning weighs in on why replacing Nick Saban was never an option

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has explained why he didn't consider replacing Nick Saban, who ended his 17-year-long coaching career following Alabama's 12-2 run in 2023. Saban came close to his eighth national championship.

Following his retirement news on Jan. 11, 2024, there were speculations about who would replace Nick Saban to take forward Crimson Tide's rich legacy, with Lanning being touted as one of the options.

During an interview with Pat McAfee, Lanning, though, explained why it was important for him to continue building his dynasty at Oregon and not jump to the coaching job at Alabama:

"Just the support, you know, like I said before, Oregon's always been innovative, and, you know, ahead of the curve. I feel like that's more the case now than ever. Got unbelievable support. We got a great AD. Moving to the Big 10 was a big piece. You know, I think that, you know, having clear vision, you bring players to your team.

"I think one of the hardest things as a coach ever, as you bring players your team and then you leave, I have a hard time saying that loyalty means something, so I would really struggle stepping away from a place that took a chance on me, gave me an opportunity that I didn't have, and then not being there for it."

Oregon's Dan Lanning was seemingly the frontrunner to become the next Alabama coach, owing to his success with the Ducks in the last two years and also because Lanning has worked with some of the best programs in the nation like Georgia and the Crimson Tide.

Lanning, though, was quick to shut down any rumors, as it would've affected his recruitment process at Eugene, releasing a statement on social media:

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Could Dillon Gabriel help win Dan Lanning a national championship?

One of the biggest questions looming over Oregon after the 2023 college football season was how Dan Lanning would replace the talent powerhouse Bo Nix, who was picked by the Broncos Denver in the 2024 NFL draft.

Lanning was quick to address that by bringing in Oklahoma's starting QB Dillon Gabriel, who threw 3,660 yards and scored 30 touchdowns in 2023.

During the 2024 spring game, Gabriel showed off his electrifying playing abilities, scoring two touchdowns and completing 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards.

If Oregon continues its momentum from last year, analysts believe it could finish in the top spots in the upcoming 2024 college football season.