I’ve known Dan Lanning for 15 years.
We’ve had a lot of conversations over that time. So going into this one, I didn’t want to hit the same notes, didn’t want to discuss the topics we’ve covered before and hoped to stick to my lone rule during interviews: "ask questions I don’t know the answers to.”
That wasn’t easy, but it was a blast to prepare for and it started with something I was almost embarrassed I hadn’t asked:
“Why do you coach?”
And honestly, everything flowed from there.
If you’ve read this newsletter you know how much I respect Dan Lanning’s DNA Traits: Connection, Growth, Toughness and Sacrifice. But not just because they offer clarity to anyone walking into their facility but because they offer a standard for those who join his program.
Standards are easy to create but after completing my spring tour across the country, it is clear that they are not as easy to uphold.
After talking with Coach Lanning on the latest Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor 76—keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, my mind was racing in route to my favorite cafe on the West Coast, Meraki, and onto my laptop while boarding a flight up north to Seattle to see UW.
Many people think that the Ducks win and retain players because they have resources, and yes they do. But they also have a group of returning players who love to learn from and follow their head coach. They know if they are willing to, as he says, “take the medicine” they will find tremendous growth.
From journaling post game to training this off-season, the entire 360 degree process in Eugene is a blueprint for success.
And now, the Oregon football process is player-owned and that is a reason why I think the Ducks can take the next step this fall and win the whole thing.
My Key Takeaways
Coaching at its highest level is when you impact someone in a profound way.
Standards matter more when players own them.
Accountability has to be modeled, not just demanded.
Growth comes from self-awareness and reflection.
Obsession with improvement > obsession with praise. (personal favorite)
Relationships still drive everything inside the Ducks program.
Hope you enjoy and thanks for the support along the way this spring. Am excited to share with you feature conversation’s over the next month with head coaches and elite players across the nation. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here at Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth and our YouTube page.
Much love and stay steady,
Yogi
