As turnover hits the coaching staff and offensive line, Dan Lanning bets on internal promotions and culture to navigate the Oregon Ducks' high-stakes transition into the Big Ten.
The Oregon Ducks have two legitimate concerns coming into training camp this summer.
The Ducks have questions about the offensive line after losing three starters to the NFL this offseason. Oregon's offensive line was already a problem last season when quarterback Dante Moore was harassed in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Indiana.
One of the big questions for Oregon at the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago this week was how head coach Dan Lanning feels about his new staff after former offensive coordinator Will Stein left to become head coach of Kentucky and former defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi became the head coach at Cal.
Lanning is excited to see what his new coordinators can do.
"We also have a couple new leaders on both sides of the ball," Lanning said on Wednesday, via USA Today. "You know, in our four years here, we've had three guys go on to become Power Four head coaches, and we're certainly excited for Coach Stein and Coach Lupoi and their new opportunities.
"But that creates a new opportunity for guys in our building, and (OC) Chris Hampton and (DC) Drew Mehringer. You know, both these guys are all-stars in the profession. They both do an unbelievable job developing players."
Lanning was questioned by some earlier in the offseason for not going out to hire elite coordinators with a roster capable of winning the national championship. Lanning argued that Mehringer and Hampton better understand the culture, and will be more of a fit.
"They understand scheme, and they've created you know some some great memories in their position rooms, and they've done an unbelievable job hitting the ground running this off season," Lanning said.
"Having guys in your program that understand your culture, what you want to create, those guys have been you know home runs so far, and I'm really excited to see what they'll accomplish this year."
It could take a few games for both coaches to adjust to their new role. However, they should feel more comfortable when the Big Ten schedule starts, and that experience will help if the Ducks make the CFP.
