Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks
In just one week, Dan Lanning and his team have found a replacement for Carlos Locklyn. The Ducks have selected Ra’Shaad Samples, formerly with Arizona State, as their new running backs coach. At 29 years old, Samples arrived in Eugene in time to participate in Tuesday morning’s practice session.
Expressing his enthusiasm during Tuesday’s press conference, Lanning described Samples as “an up-and-comer” who is an excellent fit for the organization.
“We invested considerable time in finding the right candidate,” Lanning stated. “We had numerous highly qualified applicants eager to join us. What set Ra’Shaad apart were the unique attributes he brings to our program. Despite being relatively young, he brings valuable experience, both as a player and from his time in the NFL. His versatility in coaching various positions makes him an ideal fit for us, and we are genuinely excited to have him on board.”
The hiring process was facilitated by the existing connections between Samples and current Oregon staff members. Will Stein and Drew Mehringer had previously worked with Samples at Texas. Additionally, Lanning revealed that he had private discussions with Kenny Dillingham, the current ASU head coach and former Oregon offensive coordinator.
“When seeking new additions, we rely heavily on personal connections,” Lanning explained. “Several members of our staff have prior relationships with Ra’Shaad, which made the decision easier. While I didn’t personally work with him before, I knew of his reputation.”
Lanning likened Samples’ integration process to that of a new player joining a team. He mentioned that Samples spent his flight from Arizona familiarizing himself with Oregon’s offensive scheme.
“As I’ve said before, mastering our system takes time. Ra’Shaad is eager to learn and adapt quickly. He understands that it will require dedication and long hours, but he’s ready for the challenge,” Lanning remarked.
The experienced running back group at Oregon, including Jordan James, Noah Whittington, and Jayden Limar, will aid Samples in his transition. Lanning expressed confidence in their ability to assist Samples in acclimating to the team’s playbook swiftly.
Lanning also commended the dedication of the running backs during Locklyn’s absence, highlighting their commitment to self-improvement and team success.
“We’re proud of the way they’ve handled the situation. Their focus has been on personal growth, which ultimately benefits the team,” Lanning noted. “They’re excited about the upcoming season and the recent coaching addition.”
Samples, a Dallas native, brings with him a wealth of connections in the Texas football scene, which Lanning believes will be valuable for both recruiting and player development.
“We prioritize individuals who excel in building relationships. Ra’Shaad’s connections in Texas are certainly advantageous, but more importantly, he values meaningful relationships, which will benefit us in recruiting and player development,” Lanning emphasized.
Oregon’s spring practices will continue with sessions scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, with Saturday’s session marking the first scrimmage of the season, to be held inside Autzen Stadium.
