Dan Lanning, the head coach of the Oregon Ducks, took a noble approach in his post-game press conference after their humbling defeat to Ohio State in the 2025 Rose Bowl. Despite being ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation, the Ducks were outmatched and outplayed by the Buckeyes, ultimately losing in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Lanning made it clear that he wouldn’t make any excuses for his team’s lackluster performance. Instead, he took ownership of the loss and praised Ohio State for their impressive display. “We had an opportunity, and we didn’t take advantage of it. I’m not going to make excuses. Ultimately, you’ve got to beat great teams at the end of the year, and we didn’t do that,” Lanning stated.
The Ducks’ coach acknowledged that his team was outplayed in all aspects of the game. Oregon’s offense struggled to get going, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel being sacked eight times. The team’s rushing yards were also abysmal, with -23 yards recorded throughout the game. Lanning held himself accountable for the team’s lack of preparedness, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Lanning’s refusal to make excuses for his team’s performance is a testament to his character and coaching philosophy. He recognized that his team was outmatched and outcoached by Ohio State, and he took responsibility for the loss. This approach demonstrates his commitment to accountability and his willingness to learn from his mistakes.
The loss marks the end of Oregon’s season, but it also provides a valuable learning experience for the team. Lanning’s leadership and approach to the game will undoubtedly play a significant role in the team’s growth and development in the coming year
Dan Lanning’s response to Oregon’s loss to Ohio State in the 2025 Rose Bowl is a shining example of his character and coaching philosophy. His refusal to make excuses and his willingness to take ownership of the loss demonstrate his commitment to accountability and his dedication to his team’s growth and development.
