Why Urban Meyer isn’t concerned about Oregon’s Dan Lanning after replacing OC, DC before 2026 season

While the Oregon Ducks are viewed as legitimate title contenders once again, one main concern is the coaching staff around Dan Lanning. With a new offensive and defensive coordinator, questions surround the program’s outlook for the 2026-27 campaign. However, Urban Meyer doesn’t think it’s going to be too big of an issue for the Ducks.

During a segment for the Big Ten Conference, Meyer told college football analyst Gerry DiNardo that he likes that Lanning promoted his new coordinators from within rather than making outside hires. After explaining how difficult it is to retain good coaches on your staff, Meyer seems to believe Oregon’s 40-year-old head coach approached the situation the right way.

“Dan Lanning elevated two coordinators,” Meyer said. “That’s the positive. A coordinator is a coordinator, but the play caller is the most important piece, and it’s never been more important than 2026 in college football… I don’t see any issues with the elevation of the coordinators.”

"I don't see any issues with the elevation of the coordinators."

Oregon's Dan Lanning had to replace his OC and DC this offseason, and he elevated Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton. @CoachUrbanMeyer and @gerrydinardo discuss the art of replacing coordinators pic.twitter.com/zBszhUzMrm

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 1, 2026

Drew Mehringer steps in as Oregon’s new offensive coordinator, replacing Will Stein, who left for the Kentucky head coaching job. Mehringer has been working with Lanning since 2022. Last season, he worked as the program’s tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator, proving he is comfortable with the system and has a chance to pick things up right where they were left off.

Meanwhile, Chris Hampton takes over the defensive coordinator role in Oregon. He replaces Tosh Lupoi, who accepted the Cal head coaching job this offseason. Like Mehringer, Hampton worked as a co-coordinator last season, but on the defensive side of the ball. He, too, is familiar with Dan Lanning’s system.

Oregon’s new coordinators and play callers will immediately be tested in Week 1. The Ducks are scheduled to take on the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, September 5.

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