Dan Lanning never considered leaving Oregon for Alabama: ‘Made a commitment to the players’

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When Nick Saban retired from coaching in early January, many within the world of college football looked toward the Pacific Northwest. 

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was floated as a possible replacement for Saban after just two years as head coach in Eugene. 

FILE - Alabama head coach Nick Saban reacts after running back Jase McClellan (2) scored a touchdown during the second half of the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Michigan on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. Nick Saban, the stern coach who won seven national championships and turned Alabama back into a national powerhouse that included six of those titles in just 17 seasons, is retiring, according to multiple reports, Wednesday, January 10, 2024.  (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

Lanning quickly put the rumors to bed, releasing a video stating that he desires to be at Oregon "for as long as Eugene will have me."

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In a recent interview on "The Ryen Russillo Podcast," Lanning said he never considered taking the head coaching job in Tuscaloosa. 

"No. The decision was made long before the season started, long before I took this job. Oregon took a chance on me. I truly believe that this is a job that we can make the best job in college football. And when you feel that way, then let’s put some blood, sweat, and tears, and sweat equity into making that the job you think it can be," Lanning said when asked if there was ever a moment when he had to make a decision on the Alabama opening.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl college football game between the