Ducks Digest

Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Is Turning Heads For Ducks' Playoff Entrance

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning is trending on social media during the team's electric entrance into Autzen Stadium for their first round College Football Playoff matchup vs. James Madison. Lanning is beloved by his team for his intensity and it's clear that he brought his A game for the postseason.
Bri Amaranthus|
oregon ducks coach dan lanning greets fans before a college football playoff first round game vs. James Madison at Autzen Stadium
oregon ducks coach dan lanning greets fans before a college football playoff first round game vs. James Madison at Autzen Stadium | Oregon Ducks on SI Jake Bunn

In this story:

Oregon DucksJames Madison DukesTexas Tech Red Raiders

EUGENE - Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning is trending on social media after the team’s electric entrance into Autzen Stadium for its first round College Football Playoff matchup against James Madison.

As the Ducks stormed onto the field amid a roaring crowd and playoff-level intensity, cameras caught Lanning fully locked in, matching the energy of the moment and setting the tone for the postseason.

oregon ducks coach dan lanning greets fans before a college football playoff first round game vs. James Madison at Autzen Sta
oregon ducks coach dan lanning greets fans before a college football playoff first round game vs. James Madison at Autzen Stadium | Oregon Ducks on SI Jake Bunn

His "mean mug" (below) has become viral and an instant meme.

With Autzen Stadium at peak volume, fireworks exploding in the sky, the Oregon Ducks mascot roaring on a Harley and the national spotlight firmly on Eugene, Lanning’s presence reinforced the belief that Oregon is a program ready to chase a deep playoff run.

For those who haven't experienced Autzen Stadium in Eugene, the video is a great introduction.

Ducks fans have turned Autzen into a house of doom for opponents who make their way west. The Ducks have an impressive 25-2 record in Autzen Stadium under coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks are 54-4 at home since the start of the 2017 season. 

oregon ducks quarterback dante moore before the college football playoff game vs. James Madison at Autzen Stadium
oregon ducks quarterback dante moore before the college football playoff game vs. James Madison at Autzen Stadium | oregon ducks on si jake bunn

A win would give Oregon its first playoff win since since beating Florida State in the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2015. It also would send Oregon to its first-ever Orange Bowl appearance - to face No. 4 Texas Tech.

Dan Lanning's "Psychotic Edge"

The 39-year-old Lanning has a passion and edge that have long made him a favorite within the Oregon locker room. The winning culture that Lanning has established in Eugene is undoubtedly thanks in part to his impressive ability to connect with his team.

MORE: Oregon Ducks Lose Receiver To Transfer Portal Amid Injury Updates

MORE: Oregon Ducks Uniforms Flex The Power Of A National Brand In Playoff Spotlight

MORE: Oregon Ducks Intriguing Injury Report vs. James Madison

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE! 

Lanning's star players revealed an inside look into how his "psychotic edge" inspires (and sometimes scares) the team, in exclusive interviews with Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus.

Oregon's leading tackler, linebacker Bryce Boettcher described Lanning with a "psychotic edge" leading up to the 2024 football season. A year later, Boettcher revealed he feels the same way.

"The same way. He's the perfect amount (of psycho)," Boettcher told Amaranthus. "He's like an intense nerd. He's very cerebral and intelligent with the game of football, which you need to be. But, he's also kind of a meathead at times when he needs to be."

Boettcher has a new way to describe his coach.

"That's a new one that I've kind of come up with: Intense nerd. Or a meathead nerd." Boettcher said.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq agreed with Boettcher but expanded on the thought.

"(Psycho) in a good way, pushing us, making us better every day," Sadiq said. "He's going to do things that other coaches aren't willing to do, and I think that's what will separate us. So he's willing to take that kind of extra step for us."

Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning Reveals How He Comes Up With Weekly Themes Like ‘Are You Not Entertained?’
Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning Reveals How He Comes Up With Weekly Themes Like ‘Are You Not Entertained?’ | oregon duck

"I think he's kind of scary," Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei told Amaranthus about Lanning.

The mean mug certainly aligns with all those comments. The success also speaks for itself.

The Ducks have reached double-digit wins in all four seasons under Lanning and in each of the last five overall. Oregon’s 46-7 record since 2022 ranks third-best in the nation, and the Ducks lead the country in winning percentage (90.0) since 2023 while tying for second nationally with 36 wins during that span.

Published
Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.

Share on XFollow BriAmaranthus
Home/Football