Dan Lanning Stresses the Importance of Playing Without the Ball for Oregon Ducks’ Success
At Oregon’s media day on July 29, 2024, head coach Dan Lanning highlighted a crucial aspect of football that often gets overlooked—playing effectively without the ball. This principle is particularly relevant for a high-octane offense like the Oregon Ducks, where multiple players have the potential to make significant plays. With so many skill position players on the field, it’s essential that everyone contributes, even when they aren’t directly involved in the play.
Lanning emphasizes that while only one player can hold the ball at a time, the success of the team hinges on the collective effort of all players. “Ultimately it takes player ownership to have that mentality,” Lanning explained. “And I don’t think that’s natural. Even if they’re saying ‘hey, we’re selfless,’ I think they’re conscientiously telling themselves they have to be that.”
The coach’s philosophy is that individual achievements are closely tied to the overall success of the team. According to Lanning, great teams understand that their personal success stems from the team’s accomplishments, and they recognize the value of each player’s contribution, regardless of whether they are in the spotlight.
This message has resonated strongly within the tight end group, particularly with senior Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson notes that the team spirit is evident in their commitment to supporting each other. “I think what’s impressed me the most is those guys have really bought into being a team,” Ferguson said. “Everyone wants the ball, but they do a good job of blocking for each other and taking pride in each other.”
Following Oregon’s second scrimmage of team camp, Lanning reflected on the competitive nature of the session, which featured significant back-and-forth action and notable performances from both sides of the ball. He was pleased with the improvement in the scrimmage’s cleanliness compared to the previous week and praised the development of explosive plays.
Lanning’s focus on the finer details, such as how players perform when they don’t have the ball, is central to his coaching approach. “More so than anything, how you play without the ball,” Lanning said. “When you’re the guy that doesn’t have the ball, are you blocking down the field? Are you creating those opportunities?”
As the season approaches, Lanning continues to stress the importance of every player’s role in enabling the highlight-reel moments that will inevitably come, whether they involve Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson, Evan Stewart, Jordan James, or Jay Harris. He acknowledges the necessity of ongoing development within the program and emphasizes the need to assess and refine player performance in the coming weeks.
“We got to figure out who can play football, quick,” Lanning noted. “I think today gives us a great idea where that’s at, and who we got to develop to get us where we need to be.” This focus on development and understanding the full scope of each player’s contributions remains a cornerstone of Lanning’s strategy as the Ducks prepare for the season ahead.
