Lanning to remain at Oregon amid Alabama speculation

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning confirmed his commitment to the program amid speculation he could be in line to replace Nick Saban at Alabama.

The 37-year-old shared a video Thursday in which he reaffirmed his desire to remain with the Ducks.

"I want to be here in Eugene for as long as Eugene will have me," Lanning said.

Lanning was among the names immediately linked to the Crimson Tide opening based on his coaching history. The Missouri native served under Saban as a graduate assistant in 2015. He then worked under former Saban assistant, Kirby Smart, at Georgia in 2018 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2019.

"Getting your name put in the conversation (for other jobs) speaks to what we're doing right here, right now," Lanning said on "The Pat McAfee Show" Thursday. "This decision has been made for me since I took this job. I love what we have here."

There were reports that Lanning was in Tuscaloosa shortly after Saban informed his team that he was resigning after 17 years at Alabama. However, Lanning clarified that he was at home watching a movie Wednesday evening with his son when he started receiving messages about being linked to the job opening.

Oregon has posted a 22-5 record since Lanning was named head coach in December 2021. He signed a massive six-year, $45-milllion contract extension that runs through the 2028 season and increases his buyout to $20 million, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

This is the second SEC opening that Lanning has been linked to in less than a year. He quickly removed his name from consideration after Texas A&M dismissed Jimbo Fisher.

Oregon finished its 2023 campaign with a 12-2 record that included a 45-6 win over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl. Lanning will lead Oregon into its first season as a member of the Big Ten in 2024.