Nick Saban Analyzed Early Oregon Football Struggles
The former coach evaluated defensive issues and staff turnover impacting the team's performance.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you believe coaching turnover is the primary reason for a team's poor early performance?
Nick Saban assessed the Oregon Ducks following their 1-1 start to the 2026 season. He pointed to defensive struggles and recent coordinator turnover as key factors influencing the team's early performance.
Why it matters
Saban, a winner of 7 national championships, noted that the transition to new coordinators is a significant challenge for the program. His historical approach emphasized hiring leaders who can effectively impact players.
Oregon currently holds a 1-1 record after two weeks of play, having defeated Boise State while losing to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The program previously entered the season with a No. 2 preseason ranking.
The players
Nick Saban
He is a legendary former head coach who led teams to 7 national championships during his career.
Dan Lanning
He serves as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks and previously worked under Saban at Alabama.
Oregon Ducks
This is the college football program based in Eugene that entered the 2026 season ranked No. 2.
USC Trojans
They are a competitive football program currently ranked No. 12 that will face Oregon during Big Ten play.
The details
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, who worked as a graduate assistant under Saban at Alabama in 2015, promoted existing staff to fill roles vacated by former coordinators. Will Stein left the offensive coordinator position for Kentucky, while defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi moved to coach at Cal, leaving Chris Hampton and Drew Mehringer to step into leadership roles.
Timeline
Dan Lanning served as a graduate assistant at Alabama in 2015.
Oregon struggled to play consistent football during the first two weeks of the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
The Ducks are currently navigating a transition period as they attempt to live up to their No. 2 preseason ranking. Their performance in upcoming games, including the matchup against the No. 12 USC Trojans, will determine if they can solidify their position in the Big Ten.
The team's 1-1 standing puts pressure on the upcoming conference schedule to maintain their high preseason ranking. Fans should watch for adjustments in defensive execution as the team prepares for the USC Trojans.
The takeaway
Maintaining continuity in coaching leadership remains a critical hurdle for high-ranked programs during season transitions. Teams that fail to stabilize coordinator roles often struggle to meet initial expectations as conference play approaches.
What happens next
The Oregon Ducks are scheduled to face Portland State and will later begin Big Ten conference play against the USC Trojans.
Further reading
For additional updates on the team, visit Football.
Live Poll
Do you believe coaching turnover is the primary reason for a team's poor early performance?
