Oregon’s 2023 football season came with countless on-field highlights, from a run to the Pac-12 Championship Game to Bo Nix’s outstanding final year. But the Ducks produced their share of off-field storylines, too, most notably with head coach Dan Lanning delivering a spirited pregame speech ahead of their matchup with Colorado and later spurning the vacant Alabama coaching position in favor of another year in Eugene.
“Rooted in substance, not flash,” Lanning said, mocking the Deion Sanders-led Buffaloes. “Rooted in substance. Today, we talk with our pads. You talk with your helmet, right. Every moment. The Cinderella story is over, men. They’re fighting for clicks, we’re fighting for wins. There’s a difference. There’s a difference. This game ain’t gonna be played in Hollywood, it’s gonna be played on the grass.”
Lanning recounted the viral speech during an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, stating that while he does not regret his comments, cameras will no longer be allowed in the Oregon locker room. He also went in-depth on why he declined Alabama’s head coaching job at the end of the season.
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Below are key excerpts from Lanning’s interview with Ryen Russillo.
