National college football analyst lists Dan Lanning as a top target for vacant SEC job
Fox Sports Analyst Joel Klatt lists Dan Lanning as a top candidate for the LSU job.
As LSU begins its latest coaching search, Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has offered up three names he believes the Tigers should call on his podcast Monday. His list includes two of college football’s biggest legends and one rising star who just happens to be leading the Oregon Ducks.
Klatt’s top choices: Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and, surprisingly, Dan Lanning.
Klatt’s big three
Klatt said on his show this week that LSU, a program known for pulling off splash hires, should think big again.
“You’ve got to make them say no,” Klatt said. “If it takes $15 million, make them turn it down.”
He was, of course, referring to Saban – the former LSU head coach who led the Tigers to a national title before building a dynasty at Alabama. Next up on his list was Urban Meyer, another name synonymous with championships and controversy.
But Klatt’s third suggestion, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, turned the most heads.
Lanning’s name keeps coming up even when he’s not looking
Klatt praised Lanning’s coaching chops, SEC background, and recruiting energy, calling him the type of coach who could “walk into Baton Rouge and win right away.”
It’s high praise and also a sign of just how respected Lanning has become nationally in only his fourth year as Oregon’s head coach. Still, the idea of Lanning bolting for another job doesn’t match reality.
The 39-year-old coach has made it clear that he’s not going anywhere. Earlier this season, amid rumors connecting him to open jobs, Lanning shut down speculation before it could gain traction:
“I’ve been very clear and adamant that I’m not going anywhere,” Lanning said. “I don’t want any other jobs.”
In another interview with Sports Illustrated, Lanning reinforced that commitment to Oregon:
“I’m not going anywhere. I don’t spend a lot of time on ‘what-ifs.’ I’m really comfortable exactly where I’m at.”
He also credited the university for the opportunity he’s had in Eugene:
“(Oregon) made a commitment to me. They gave me an opportunity here, and that’s something I want to see through.”
A national compliment in disguise
For Duck fans, Klatt’s comments might sound like background noise, the kind of chatter that happens anytime a big-name job opens. But in reality, it’s also a compliment.
When national analysts start naming your head coach alongside Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, it shows how far Oregon has come as a program. Lanning’s success, Oregon’s recruiting strength, and the school’s steady transition into the Big Ten have made the Ducks one of the sport’s premier destinations – not a stepping-stone.
LSU can call, but Lanning’s staying home
While Klatt insists LSU should at least make the call, the Ducks have every reason to feel confident it would go unanswered. Lanning has turned down interest from blue-blood programs, and his words and actions continue to back up his loyalty to Oregon.
LSU may be looking for its next big hire, but the Ducks already have theirs in Eugene.
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