Canzano: Oregon coach Dan Lanning not interested in Auburn opening
Don't believe the rumors...
Believe what you’d like, but I’m here to tell you that Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning isn’t interested in leaving Eugene.
Auburn fired football coach Bryan Harsin last week. The Tigers have hired a search firm. A writer at “Fan Nation” — part of the Sports Illustrated network — reported on Sunday that there was “mutual interest” between Auburn and Oregon coach Dan Lanning.
I promised that I would give you sourced, in-depth reporting here. Stuff you can’t get anywhere else. I can tell you whoever reported “mutual” interest didn’t bother to check with Lanning or his agent.
I did.
Lanning has zero interest.
Oregon’s coach may get restless at some point. He may hit a ceiling. Maybe he decides to leave Eugene one day, but that day doesn’t feel like it’s coming anytime soon. Remember, Lanning grew up in rural Missouri. His alma mater, William Jewell College, plays Division II football. This isn’t like the University of Miami calling on Mario Cristobal.
It’s not Chip Kelly to the NFL.
It’s not Willie Taggart, who barely moved his family to Eugene.
I wrote a column recently about Lanning. He’s put down roots. It feels like he’s just getting started. But don’t take my word. Take his. He’ll be asked on Monday.
Make sure you listen carefully.
I appreciate all who have supported, subscribed and shared my new, independent, endeavor with friends and families. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing. Your support allows me to go where the stories take us.
Maybe we should consider what may be becoming the Oregon curse. When you leave Oregon, you do not better yourself. Brooks to Kentucky, pffft. Chip to NFL, pffft. Taggart to Florida State, pffft. Mario to Miami, pffft (so far). Is there a pattern here?
Auburn is a great place if you are looking for one last big football score. They will give you $80 million to coach, lose, and leave in 3 years. It's not a good place if you are looking to win football games. I get the feeling that Lanning is still interested in winning football games.
It's crazy how ESPN's big media dollars are simply paying most of the SEC to hire and fire losing coaches every few years. And this sets the pay scale for coaches and offsets all that big money gain for the mediocre teams. The Big10 will now have the money to do the same thing.
Our universities and this sport would be in a such a better place if someone could go back in time 70 years and establish a modest salary cap on NCAA football teams.