In the weeks leading up to what’s shaping up to be an exciting season on the field in the Pac-12, the conversation has been dominated by existential questions off the field.
The entire future of the league appears to be in jeopardy after news broke last week that Colorado will be leaving the conference to return to the Big 12, and based on the churning rumor mill, the Buffs may not be the last team to flee a potentially sinking ship.
One coach in the league doesn’t seem particularly concerned about the future of the league following Colorado’s withdrawal, however. At the team’s media day ahead of fall camp, Oregon coach Dan Lanning didn’t mince words.
“Not a big reaction,” he said with a sly grin. “I’m trying to remember what they won to affect this conference, and I don’t remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don’t remember them winning anything.”
Full quote from Dan Lanning on his reaction to Colorado leaving the conference:
"Not a big reaction. I'm trying to remember what they won to affect this conference and I don't remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don't remember them winning anything." https://t.co/Kdtf9xgayo pic.twitter.com/XETU03B0Cj
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) July 31, 2023
Ouch.
The second-year coach isn’t exactly wrong, though. Excluding the shortened 2020 season, the Buffaloes have finished with a winning record in league play just once since joining the Pac-12 back in 2011. That team won the South Division in 2016 but was obliterated by Washington in the Pac-12 title game, finishing at 10-4.
Then-coach Mike MacIntyre wouldn’t be retained after Colorado finished 5-7 the next two years.
Still, Lanning’s comments are interesting considering his program has also been the subject of some realignment rumors, though nothing substantial has emerged yet.
The Pac-12 approaches what could be a critical 48 hours. The Big 12 likely isn’t done trying to poach teams away, and the league is now reportedly finally set to present a proposed media rights deal to members.
What happens in the coming days could play a crucial role in determining the league’s future following the current bout of realignment.
