Dana Altman Shuts Down Retirement Rumors: "I'm not going anywhere"
It's been a rough season for Oregon men's basketball. You don't need to tune into every game to know that.
After a strong start to the year with a win over Georgia in Las Vegas, the Ducks are 19-10 overall with an 11-7 mark against Pac-12 opponents. Dana Altman's squad has also battled extensive injury and even sickness throughout the year, which has made it difficult for the players to gel and hit their stride on a consistent basis.
Now the Ducks are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year ahead of their final regular season home stand against the Colorado Buffaloes and Utah Utes.
Earlier this week, Matt Norlander of CBSSports speculated that Altman's time in Eugene could be nearing an end.
"Increased noise in recent weeks over whether or not Dana Altman will opt to step away after this his 14th season at Oregon. He's 65, so it's not as though the rocking chair is calling his name. The Ducks aren't yet out of the NCAA Tournament picture, either. If this job came open, it would be coveted by many, even with an increased travel challenge awaiting in the Big Ten."
On Tuesday, Oregon's head coach was asked about rumors surrounding a possible retirement, which he completely shut down.
"No idea who said that. Not sure who said it. I know I didn't," Altman told reporters inside Matthew Knight Arena. "I've talked to nobody, so whoever's saying that is pure speculation. I'm not going anywhere. Unless this school tells me I'm not here. Not retiring, that's for sure."
Just last week Altman secured the 750th win of his college career.
He's the winningest coach in the history of the Ducks program and is one of only three active coaches with in Division I with 26 consecutive winning seasons.
The Ducks face the Colorado Buffaloes at home Thursday night with the first round of the 2024 Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament scheduled for March 13 in Las Vegas.
