Sports
Kenjon Barner Praises Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning as Trustworthy and Dedicated
Kenjon Barner, a legendary former running back for the Oregon Ducks, has expressed his strong support and admiration for current Oregon coach Dan Lanning. Barner, who played for the Ducks from 2009 to 2012 and is a Consensus All-American and three-time Super Bowl champion, recently praised Lanning on the Big Ten Network. He highlighted Lanning’s integrity and trustworthiness, stating, ‘When you have someone who is a man of their word, someone who honors their word, someone who means exactly what they say, and says what they mean, that makes a world of a difference.'[5]
Barner’s endorsement comes at a time when the Oregon Ducks are enjoying a remarkable season, standing undefeated at 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in the first college football playoff rankings. Lanning, who took over as coach in 2022, has led the team to a 31-5 record since his arrival. The Ducks’ success under Lanning includes a notable 32-31 win over Ohio State, one of the best wins in the country this season.
Lanning’s commitment to the program has been a significant factor in the team’s success. Despite rumors that he might leave for the Alabama job after Nick Saban‘s retirement, Lanning has reaffirmed his dedication to Oregon. He stated, ‘The grass is not always greener. The grass is damn green in Eugene. I want to be here in Eugene for as long as Eugene will have me.’ This commitment has strengthened the bond between Lanning and the Oregon fanbase.
Barner also emphasized Lanning’s genuine care for the players, saying, ‘He loves these kids, he’s for these kids, and he wants what’s best for them.’ This sentiment aligns with the overall positive vibe surrounding the Oregon Ducks program under Lanning’s leadership[5]).