Dan Lanning Doesn't Anticipate Any Coaching Changes
The Ducks are beginning to wrap up an impressive 2023 recruiting cycle after landing Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant. Oregon secured a very important commitment on the traditional National Signing Day after an eventful early signing period in December.
One of the bigger storylines we've been tracking this offseason has been Adrian Klemm's future in Eugene. The Oregon offensive line coach was interviewed multiple times by the New England Patriots, getting looks at both offensive coordinator and heading up the offensive line.
Following the conclusion of those interviews, it sounds like Lanning expects to retain Klemm for at least the 2023 season.
“I don’t anticipate any changes as of right now,” Lanning said Wednesday when asked about Klemm staying with the coaching staff.
READ MORE: Rodrick Pleasant breaks down Oregon commitment
Oregon has already lost a few coaches this offseason.
Former offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham jumped at the opportunity to return home and take over as the head coach at Arizona State, and safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator Matt Powledge did the same. Returning to the Lone Star State to become the defensive coordinator for Dave Aranda at Baylor.
When you have teams coming after your coaches, it usually means you're doing something right.
“To build off of that (it) just speaks to the quality of staff that we have here and what people think of our staff," Lanning added. "Obviously Adrian's a phenomenal coach but not currently anticipating any changes there."
ESPN's Mike Reiss first reported that the Patriots were interviewing Klemm for their vacant offensive coordinator job. That spot has since been filled by former Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks Bill O’Brien.
The Oregon offensive line coach will enter his second season after a solid debut in Eugene. Oregon boasted one of the nation's best offensive lines, surrendering just five sacks in 13 games in 2022.
Though the Ducks are losing a majority of their starting line from a year ago, Klemm is looking to get to work this spring with all the younger players and recruits that have enrolled early. 2023 prep signees Iapani Laloulu and Gernorris Wilson are already on campus in Eugene and they'll get to learn from veteran transfers Ajani Cornelius (Rhode Island) and Junior Angilau (Texas), who both project to play big roles next season.
Oregon’s offense came to life last season by dominating trenches. The Ducks finished the year ranked No. 6 in total offense, averaging 6.92 yards per play and 500.5 yards per game. Fortunately for the Ducks they have another bright young offensive mind to scheme up their offense in Will Stein, who takes over following Kenny Dillingham’s departure.
While at UTSA in 2022 Stein's offense finished No. 12 in the country in total offense while scoring 62 touchdowns, averaging 476 total yards per game and 6.37 yards per play. Klemm and company will be getting things rolling within the next few weeks as the staff looks ahead to recruiting the 2024 class and spring football.
READ MORE: Nyckoles Harbor announces college commitment
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