Dan Lanning coached at several programs before becoming Oregon’s head coach, most notably as defensive coordinator at Georgia.

Quick Scoop

Before taking over at Oregon, Dan Lanning’s path ran through multiple college stops and even high school:

  • Georgia (2018–2021) – Outside linebackers coach in 2018, then promoted to defensive coordinator , where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship and built one of the nation’s top defenses.
  • Memphis (2016–2017) – Inside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, working in a key defensive and talent-evaluation role.
  • Alabama (2015) – Graduate assistant under Nick Saban, gaining experience in a powerhouse SEC program.
  • Sam Houston State (2014) – Defensive backs coach at the FCS level.
  • Arizona State (2012–2013) – Defensive graduate assistant, then recruiting coordinator, giving him early experience in Pac-12 country.
  • Pittsburgh (2011) – Defensive graduate assistant, one of his first college coaching roles.
  • Park Hill South High School, Missouri (2008–2010) – Assistant coach at the high school level before breaking into the college ranks.

In short, when fans ask “where did Dan Lanning coach before Oregon,” the headline answer is Georgia defensive coordinator , with a rapid-rise résumé that also runs through Memphis, Alabama, Sam Houston State, Arizona State, Pittsburgh, and high school in Missouri.

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