Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks Secure Future with Contract Extensions for Dan Lanning and Key Staff
The Oregon Ducks have taken a significant step toward securing their football program’s long-term success, announcing contract extensions for head coach Dan Lanning, offensive coordinator Will Stein, and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. While reports of a lucrative extension for Lanning surfaced earlier in the week, the University of Oregon Board of Trustees officially approved the deal on Friday, cementing Lanning’s tenure in Eugene through the 2030 season.
Lanning’s extension comes with a massive financial boost, as reported by Ross Dellenger, with his new salary averaging $11 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football and a clear indication of Oregon’s commitment to sustained excellence on the gridiron.
“Oregon football has reached historic heights under Dan’s leadership. His relentless commitment to providing a first-class student-athlete experience is evident in the culture he has fostered within his program,” Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said. “His dedication to this university, our student-athletes, and the city of Eugene has put Oregon football in position to compete for championships on a yearly basis.”
Alongside Lanning’s extension, the Ducks also secured Stein and Lupoi with two-year deals running through the 2027 season. Mullens emphasized the importance of keeping the coaching staff intact, highlighting their impact on both recruiting and player development.
“Dan has surrounded himself with elite coaches and people within his program, and we are thrilled to be able to retain coordinators of Tosh and Will’s caliber,” Mullens said. “They have done a tremendous job in their respective roles and are terrific representatives of the University of Oregon.”
Strengthening the Coaching Staff
In addition to securing its key coordinators, Oregon has increased the salary pool for assistant coaches. According to James Crepea of The Oregonian, the Ducks’ on-field coaching staff will now earn a combined $9.825 million—a significant $1 million increase from the previous year.
Oregon’s commitment to its coaching staff was further demonstrated when wide receivers coach Junior Adams departed for the Dallas Cowboys, prompting Lanning to hire Ross Douglas as his replacement. The Cowboys also pursued running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples, but he opted to remain in Eugene after receiving a contract extension and raise earlier in the offseason. Additionally, tight ends coach Drew Mehringer was promoted to co-offensive coordinator, reinforcing Oregon’s investment in its leadership structure.
On-Field Success and Recruiting Prowess
The trio of Lanning, Stein, and Lupoi has already delivered impressive results. The Ducks spent the majority of the 2024 season ranked No. 1 in the country, capturing the Big Ten Championship with a victory over Penn State before ultimately falling to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals.
Stein, who also serves as quarterbacks coach, has been instrumental in developing Oregon’s signal-callers. Under his guidance, Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel both earned Heisman Trophy finalist nods in back-to-back seasons, cementing the Ducks’ reputation as a quarterback-friendly program.
Oregon’s strong player development was evident at the 2025 NFL Combine, where the program sent a record-breaking 12 players, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel, tight end Terrance Ferguson, wide receiver Tez Johnson, and defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch.
Ducks Poised for Future Success
Lanning’s extension makes Oregon an even more attractive destination for elite recruits. The Ducks currently boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the 2026 cycle, according to On3’s Industry Rankings, led by five-star tight end Kendre Harrison and four-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene.
With Lanning now secured through 2030 and his top assistants locked in for the foreseeable future, Oregon’s trajectory remains firmly pointed toward championship contention. As the Ducks prepare for the next chapter, their investment in stability and excellence signals a bold vision for the future of Oregon football.
