Dan Lanning’s coaching acumen has seamlessly propelled the Oregon Ducks to remarkable seasons. Acknowledging Dan Lanning’s impressive coaching skills, Oregon has granted him a lucrative six-year contract extension, offering an annual salary increment of $200,000.
With his coaching brilliance in the spotlight, numerous college teams are vying for the opportunity to enlist Dan Lanning as their head coach. The Alabama Crimson Tide is rumored to be the most recent team to make concerted efforts to secure his guidance for their squad.
Is Dan Lanning going to be the next Alabama HC?
Amidst the unexpected retirement of Nick Saban, the University of Alabama is reportedly eyeing Dan Lanning as a potential successor.
Dan Lanning is the expected front runner for the Alabama Head Coaching position. pic.twitter.com/UPM3tkSgzS
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 10, 2024
Lanning, who recently completed his second year with the Ducks, once garered attention regarding a possible move following Jimbo Fisher’s departure at Texas A&M.
Despite prior speculations, Lanning emphatically denied any intention to leave Oregon, emphasizing his commitment to finishing the job he started.
“There’s zero chance that I would be coaching somewhere else. I’ve got unfinished business here,” he said that time, per Sports Illustrated.
However, recent reports suggest that he is currently in Tuscaloosa, leading to widespread speculation about the possibility of him taking over as the next head coach for the Crimson Tide.
The potential move makes sense due to Lanning’s personal connections with the Alabama program and Coach Saban. Lanning shares a history with the program after serving as a graduate assistant under Saban during the 2015 National Championship season.
The news comes as a surprise to college football enthusiasts, especially considering Lanning’s recent contract extension with Oregon in November. Despite this, if the move materializes, Lanning will be tasked with continuing the rich legacy left by Saban, who secured nine SEC titles and six national championships during his tenure.
Although Lanning’s buyout clause with the Ducks is set at $20 million, Alabama may find it a worthwhile investment to secure a coach with an impressive track record. Lanning boasts a 22-5 record over his two-year stint at Oregon, culminating in a dominant 45-6 Fiesta Bowl victory over the Liberty Flames in the 2023 season.
Following Nick Saban’s retirement, who should Alabama target as the next HC?
Besides Dan Lanning, there are several other veterans who are projected to be the next Alabama HC after Nick Saban announces his retirement. With an impressive track record at Florida State, Mike Norvell emerges as a strong candidate.
He possesses a 13-1 record with an ACC championship and a 23-4 record in the last two seasons. ESPN’s Pete Thamel has suggested that Norvell might find himself on the shortlist for the coveted position
James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, is another seasoned candidate. His inclusion on a “projected target list” also indicates Alabama’s interest in his coaching prowess. Despite the football program finishing the past season 10-3 with a couple of losses, Franklin’s coaching acumen remains highly regarded.
With no likely internal replacements at Alabama, here’s a quick projected target list. Dan Lanning, Kalen DeBoer, Dabo Swinney, James Franklin, Mike Norvell and Marcus Freeman. All come with complications and big buyouts, as it’s difficult to move entrenched coaches. https://t.co/0K2NWk8CtL
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 10, 2024
Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer enters the conversation with a remarkable coaching tenure. Having lost only three games during his time with the Huskies, the vet led them to the 2023–2024 National Championship. His two additional years of experience as head coach, leading Fresno State in 2020 and 2021, also add depth to his coaching resume.
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney is another choice. The football program hasn’t quite reached its potential in recent seasons, especially when compared to its series of wins from 2015 to 2019. If he joins Alabama, a fresh start for both Clemson and the head coach might be the best for all parties.
Who do you think would be the best choice for the Alabama HC position? Make sure to tell us in the comments.
