Alright, so we’ve all been gushing over Indiana’s new coach, Curt Cignetti. But it’s time to shift our focus to Oregon Ducks’ head coach Dan Lanning as well. November 9, Saturday, was a day when everything turned in Lanning’s favor. The Ducks gave the Maryland Terrapins a big lesson, claiming a massive victory. And do you know the victory came as a huge boon to the HC?

Finally, he got his extension in Oregon for the second time and landed a fortune of $9.4 million. Apart from securing a massive payday while leading Oregon in the Big Ten race, Lanning also received praise from a legendary coach.

Oregon’s 10th win comes with a grand gift for Dan Lanning

On Saturday, the Autzen Stadium was filled with the “Ducks” cheers as Lanning’s No.1 Oregon defeated Maryland, leaving them at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in Big 10 play. No matter how well the Terrapins started, with an opening possession capped by a 37-yard field goal by Jack Howes and a 3-0 lead, it was the Ducks who went home with a wide grin. And for HC Lanning, the grin is now wider since it’s raining dollars for him. On one hand, he gifted Oregon their 10th win and was handed a return gift on the other hand. USA Today Sports analyst Steve Berkowitz revealed the big news.

As per the sources, with Oregon’s 10th win, Lanning earned a one-year extension. Yes, he successfully was able to take the program into his confidence for the second time in a row and is going to be there in the Ducks hood through January 2031. And obviously, it did not come free and Oregon had to shell out $8.4 million in salary. Not only this but on the amount they had to pay $1 million in deferred compensation, bringing the figure to $9.4 million. Now that Lanning has landed big numbers, the burden to win the Big 10 gets heavier. Is it better in Cignetti’s case?   

Lanning lands a seal of approval from the GOAT

No, even the Hoosiers HC is in the same spot as Lanning. With Cignetti as their debut HC, Indiana too is coming off a 10-0 undefeated streak after defeating Michigan Wolverines. Being impressed by such performance, they also added a $250,000 bonus. Right now, the HC has $600,000 in bonuses and if he keeps the winning streak alive, Cignetti could pick up another $2.7 million in bonuses. But looks like Dan Lanning at the moment is not quite interested in the figures. Why though?

After all, he has landed the big praise from 7x National Championship winner Nick Saban. Even though the GOAT no longer coaches Alabama Crimson Tide, he ensures to watch every match. Being a man with an eye for detail, Saban touched upon how brilliantly Lanning’s boys have balanced offense and defense this season.  “I like Oregon because they’ve played with the most consistency of any team this entire season,” Nick Saban stated, swooning over the Oregon players.

The Ducks are absolutely living up to the hype and deserve all the praise they’re getting as they lead the way in the Big Ten title race, alongside the undefeated Hoosiers at 10-0. While Ohio State and Penn State are looking strong as well, it’s still anyone’s game. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out who comes out on top in the Big Ten, but for now, Dan Lanning has earned the respect and admiration of many, fueling his drive as he pushes toward his ultimate goal.