On July 27, we learned that the Colorado Buffaloes and head coach Deion Sanders plan to leave the Pac-12 and head back to the Big 12 in 2024. Despite all of the chaos in the Pac-12, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning isn't particularly phased by it.
During a press conference on July 31, Lanning was asked about his thoughts on the Buffaloes leaving (the question isn't in the clip below, but based on his response, this appears to be the context), and he didn't hold back his thoughts on the program.
"I'm trying to remember what they won to affect this conference ... I don't remember them winning anything."
Dan Lanning on Colorado leaving the Pac-12 ?pic.twitter.com/wz24eDutVV
— Action Network Colleges (@ActionColleges) July 31, 2023
Dan Lanning Takes Shots at Colorado and Deion Sanders
Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images
"Not a big reaction," Lanning starts by saying. "I mean, I'm trying to remember what they won to affect this conference."
He starts his following sentence by saying, "I don't remember," pauses, then asks whoever is in the audience, "Do you remember them winning anything? I don't remember them winning anything."
During this answer, Lanning was seen smiling, and this was the final question of the press conference.
Lanning isn't wrong here, but this could be seen as similar to the Sean Payton and Nathaniel Hackett saga in the NFL. During an interview at training camp, the new Broncos head coach ripped Hackett to shreds, calling his work during the 2022 season one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history. Payton later apologized for his comments, but notably did not walk back his statements about the work Hackett did as head coach in Denver.
While Lanning's comments aren't a direct shot at any coaches, based on their lack of winning, it could be viewed that way. Sanders may also take the comments personally, even if he has yet to coach a game for the Buffaloes.
The Buffaloes joined the Pac-12 in 2011, and since then, they've had one winning season in 2016 when they went 10-4. Outside of that season, they haven't won more than five games and went just 1-11 last year.
Lanning will have a chance to beat up on the Buffaloes this season as Sanders and Colorado head out on the road to take on Oregon on September 23.
