Report: Lanning headed to Oregon

Fain and Billy Slaughter Defensive Coordinator and outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning before the Duke’s Mayo Classic against Clemson at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC., on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

Athens, Ga. — Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is leaving to take the vacant head coaching position at Oregon, according to a report published on Friday by Chip Towers of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart released an official statement on Saturday afternoon.

“We are so happy for Dan and his family,” Smart stated. “He and Sauphia have been an important part of our Bulldog family for the last four years, and we thank them for all they did for Georgia Football and the Athens community.  Opportunities like this are a testament to a successful program.”

Lanning joined Smart and his staff as the outside linebackers coach in 2018 another staff member left for Tennessee. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2019 when Mel Tucker took the head coaching job at Michigan State. Now, he will soon be announced as the Ducks’ new head coach.

Smart acknowledged Lanning will still help Georgia prepare for No. 2 Michigan in the coming weeks leading up to the Orange Bowl in Miami on New Year’s Eve.

“While he will coach with us for the upcoming College Football Playoff, we will move forward with Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp as co-defensive coordinators,” Smart added. “Dan and I are both looking forward to preparing for the College Football Playoff.”

In 2019, during his first year as the defensive coordinator, Georgia finished as the nation’s No. 1 rush defense, No. 1 passing efficiency defense and No. 1 scoring defense. He also led the Bulldogs to currently rank ranked No. 1 nationally in scoring defense, No. 2 in total defense, No. 2 in team passing efficiency defense and No. 3 rush defense.

This report will be updated.