Georgia Bulldogs Defensive Coordinator Dan Lanning to Become Head Coach of Oregon Ducks

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ATHENS - Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is set to become the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. 

That’s according to multiple reports, but was first reported Friday by the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. The Eugene Register-Guard also reported the news Saturday night.

UGA coach Kirby Smart confirmed the reporting Sartuday. 

“We are so happy for Dan and his family,” Smart said in a statement. “He and Sauphia have been an important part of our Bulldog family for the last four years, and we thank them for all they did for Georgia Football and the Athens community.  Opportunities like this are a testament to a successful program.  While he will coach with us for the upcoming College Football Playoff, we will move forward with Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp as co-defensive coordinators. Dan and I are both looking forward to preparing for the CFP.”

The AJC reported Friday that Oregon will officially announce Lanning’s hire on Monday.

It is no surprise that Lanning landed such a high-profile job. His defense permitted only 9.5 points per game in 2021. At 35, Lanning will become the youngest head coach in major college football. Oregon will take on Georgia in the season opener at the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game in September 2022. 

Lanning is the fourth former assistant under Kirby Smart to have secured a job as a head coach in major college football. Michigan State’s Mel Tucker, Arkansas’ Sam Pittman and South Carolina’s Shane Beamer all had good to outstanding seasons in 2021. 

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