On June 5, 2026, legendary journalist Dan Rather published a Substack essay sharply criticizing corporate leadership changes at CBS News. But while one Dan is fighting legacy media battles, the podcast world is currently obsessed with another: Dan Lanning, the head coach of the Oregon Ducks.
On Pardon My Take, co-host Big Cat pressed Kentucky head coach Will Stein on whether he would emulate his former boss's bizarre practice rituals, asking, "are you going to continue the tradition... of Dan Lanning taking off his shirt before third down period every single week, every single practice?" Stein declined to promise any shirtless coaching but spoke highly of his time with Dan Lanning, noting he was fortunate to have "three unbelievable seasons with Dan out there at Oregon."
Over on The Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee took a louder approach to praising the Oregon coach. While interviewing five-star wide receiver recruit Dakota Guerrant, McAfee bluntly asked why he chose the program, "other than it's beautiful and Lanning's an absolute dog."
The contrast highlights a split in how coaches are celebrated; while some focus on the quirky, shirtless culture Dan Lanning builds behind closed doors, others focus on his raw recruiting power. Either way, Dan Lanning has established himself as one of the most talked-about leaders in college sports today.