In just their first year in the Big Ten, the Oregon Ducks are already making a statement. With a resounding 39-18 victory over the Maryland Terrapins in Week 11, No. 1 Oregon moved to an undefeated 10-0 on the season. This victory, their tenth of the regular season, not only solidified their spot as one of the nation’s elite teams but also marked a historic achievement for the Ducks program. Oregon has now reached 10 wins for just the third time in its storied history—an impressive feat in any year, let alone the first in a new conference.
But for head coach Dan Lanning, the win wasn’t just about keeping his team on track for a College Football Playoff bid. It also triggered a major financial reward. According to USA TODAY’s Steve Berkowitz, the Ducks’ victory over Maryland activated a clause in Lanning’s contract, automatically extending him for an additional year and boosting his salary in the process. The extension is reportedly worth $9.4 million, all guaranteed, locking Lanning in as the head coach in Eugene through 2031.
Lanning’s journey with Oregon has been nothing short of impressive since he took over in 2022. In his second season, he’s not only transformed the Ducks into a national title contender but has also turned a program known for high-powered offense into a more well-rounded team with a legitimate defense. His success in his early years, combined with his ability to recruit top-tier talent, has helped Oregon maintain its status as a powerhouse despite the move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten—a transition that has proven challenging for some other former Pac-12 teams.
The win over Maryland was another example of the Ducks’ dominance in 2024. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel continued to build his Heisman resume by breaking Case Keenum’s NCAA record for total touchdowns. Gabriel’s performance, paired with a near-perfect game on the ground and a stingy defense, makes Oregon one of the most complete teams in the country. The Ducks have now won every game except for two by at least 10 points, a statement about their ability to close out opponents in all phases of the game.
While Lanning and the Ducks aren’t resting on their laurels, the momentum continues to build. Lanning’s contract extension isn’t just a reward for his incredible coaching; it’s a testament to the long-term vision Oregon has for its football program under his leadership. And the financial incentives don’t end with the regular-season 10-win mark. According to reports, if Lanning’s Ducks can secure victories over Wisconsin and Washington in the coming weeks, he stands to earn an additional $250,000 for each win. With Oregon eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff and potentially fighting for a national title, Lanning’s postseason bonuses could be just as lucrative.
Next up for the Ducks is a road trip to face a 5-4 Wisconsin team in Week 12. The game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be aired on NBC. With so much on the line—not just for the program’s title hopes but also for Lanning’s paycheck—the Ducks will be looking to keep their momentum rolling.
Whether or not they finish the season with a national championship, one thing is certain: the Ducks are in a great position for the future, and Dan Lanning is firmly entrenched as the man to lead them.
