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.
“You were so close, so I wonder how you watch this game?”
“That’s the fuel.” — Dan Lanning pic.twitter.com/NSoQDcgsd6
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) January 8, 2024
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.
https://twitter.com/ralphamsden/status/1744514239904076279
LMAO DAN LANNING IS DOING ANALYSIS OF UW IN THE NATIONAL TITLE GAME pic.twitter.com/YqpaPShdZM
— . (@OhtanisFallGuy) January 8, 2024
Dan Lanning is doing his best to say Washington is the better team and not make Oregon look bad.
Dude looks so uncomfortable up there.
— 15-0 National Champs – Josh Hallock (@JoshHallock1) January 9, 2024
https://twitter.com/UtahCFBstats/status/1744514589859983867
Dan Lanning is going to be great on television in 10 years
— Chase Snyder (@ChasingSnyder) January 8, 2024
Dan Lanning is impressive
— Flash (@Walls98) January 9, 2024
Only way Lanning will be at the championship game as an Oregon head coach 😂 https://t.co/vFdzLYG3oM
— Twisted Sports Fan (@Twisted_Sports_) January 8, 2024
He handed Washington 3 wins and a conference title in 2 seasons. If Washington pulls this off they should be sending him a ring. https://t.co/OFbMV1BEik
— Chris in Tacoma (@Chatham253) January 8, 2024
[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.