While every head coach in college football takes stock at the end of each season and looks back to see where they can improve the most, that is especially true for coaches on new teams, and in particular, first-year head coaches, like Dan Lanning.
The Oregon Ducks’ first-year head man had a solid start to his coaching career, leading his team to a 9-3 finish. The upside was certainly there, with the Ducks at one time vying for a College Football Playoff spot, but the season ended on a low note, losing to the Oregon State Beavers on the road just two weeks after losing to the Washington Huskies at home, derailing Oregon’s postseason plans.
So how did Lanning’s first year go as far as the national media’s opinion is concerned? How did Oregon’s head coach fare compared to the likes of Mario Cristobal, who was in his first year with the Miami Hurricanes? Or perhaps Joe Moorhead in his first year with Akron? What about Lincoln Riley at USC?
Let’s take a look at the coaching grades according to USA TODAY: