Lanning shares Jeff Bassa’s crucial role in Oregon’s defense

The Oregon Ducks football program is known for a few things, including an exciting offense and fascinating uniforms. But Oregon football head coach Dan Lanning is a mastermind on defense and has an impressive track record on that side of the ball. So it makes sense that he would work to bring that to the Oregon Ducks.

And a key aspect of the Oregon Ducks improving on that side of the ball is having a seasoned leader on the field for the Oregon football team. That’s just one reason Jeff Bassa was put in the spotlight during the 2024 Big Ten Media Days.

While speaking to reporters covering the Oregon Ducks’ new league during Big Ten Media Days, Lanning took the opportunity to highlight Bassa and the leadership and talent he brings.

“This guy has grown in this leadership role every year I’ve been here, to the point where we now have a coach on the field,” Lanning boasted.

That’s high praise from someone who played a major role in helping Kirby Smart develop stunning defenses in Athens with the Georgia Bulldogs. Lanning, who is one of the brightest young coaches in college football right now, knows what it’s like to develop as a leader, and he seems to recognize that kind of growth in Bassa.

“If Jeff has to call the defense, he can tell you why he’s calling and what he’s doing,” Lanning explained.

I for one am very excited to see how Bassa impacts Oregon’s defense this season. That level of understanding and leadership is hard to come by and hard to develop, but Lanning seems very confident that Bassa has improved with the Ducks to where he can do that for Oregon now.

“He’s a real leader,” Lanning said. “He wants to attack his game. He doesn’t want you to tell him what he’s good at, he wants to be coached. He coaches the guys around him. He demands excellence.”

I think that’s a great endorsement. And if Bassa can continue to grow and develop this season, the Oregon football team will definitely benefit from his leadership on that side of the ball.