Oregon Players Praise Coach Dan Lanning: “The Best I’ve Ever Been Around”
As Oregon heads into their conference championship game, players continue to heap praise on head coach Dan Lanning, calling him the best coach they’ve ever had. Senior tight end Terrance Ferguson and quarterback Dillon Gabriel spoke about Lanning’s impact during a feature on the Big Ten Network’s “The Journey,” set to air today. Ferguson noted Lanning’s deep care for the game and his motivational energy, which helps the team create a new narrative each week.
What stands out about Lanning’s coaching style is his ability to inspire trust and confidence. Whether through intense emotional moments or patient instruction, Lanning is known for connecting with his players on a deeper level. A clip from the team’s cinematic recap, “Ducks Vs Them,” highlights his approach—helping players visualize and prepare for game situations in unique ways.
Dillon Gabriel, a 6th-year senior with experience at multiple high-profile schools, shared, “The best I’ve been around, 100 percent. It’s different, but once I was able to adopt the same mentality, it allowed me to play free.”
Lanning’s ability to help athletes play freely and embrace the moment is the hallmark of great coaching. This season, Oregon has gone undefeated, with a 12-0 record, the only perfect record in major college football.
Today, the Ducks face Penn State in the conference championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, set for 5:00 P.M. ET on CBS. Oregon will need to be sharp, particularly when blocking Penn State’s defensive star Abdul Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Carter’s ability to disrupt plays with his lightning-fast first step will challenge Oregon’s offensive line, requiring quick decisions and disciplined execution.
