Dan Lanning Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
College FootballESPNBy Arthur Weinstein on

Many fans found it strange that Oregon coach Dan Lanning appeared on ESPN’s pregame and halftime shows for the CFP National Championship.

By most accounts, Lanning did a fine job in his role as guest analyst, and many fans predicted a future in broadcasting might be in store.

It’s Lanning’s role in serving as analyst for a game featuring his rival, the Washington Huskies, that fans found odd. He almost faced a no-win situation. If he said something bad about the Huskies, he must be bitter that he’s 0-3 in two seasons against them, including a loss in the recent Pac-12 Championship.

If Lanning were to say something nice about them, he’s just a shill for the Pac-12 Conference.

Lanning’s ESPN colleagues joked about how he could even handle watching the game, given No. 5 Oregon’s heartbreaking three-point loss to Washington in the Pac-12 title game.

‘That’s the fuel,” Lanning succinctly replied.

Lanning has done a great job with the Ducks, going 22-5 in two seasons, and if not for that trio of three-point losses to the Huskies, he’d be garnering even more attention.

As noted earlier, most fans thought Lanning did a good job for ESPN Monday night. And there’s precedent for a coach serving as analyst for a bitter rival in a high-profile game; Alabama’s Nick Saban served a similar role for SEC rival Georgia’s CFP title win in 2023.

Fans had plenty to say about Lanning’s work Monday night.


[Ralph Amsden; Photo Credit: ESPN]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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