5-Star quarterback Jared Curtis contrasts Oregon Ducks quarterback Dan Lanning with Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Kirby Smart.

For high school recruits, the decision on where to play college football is one of the most significant choices of their lives. They’re not only selecting a school but also a coach—a leader who will guide them through their college careers, shape their football knowledge, and ultimately, influence their future in the sport. Jared Curtis, a 5-star quarterback with immense talent, recently compared two of the most successful and high-profile coaches in college football: Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks and Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Both Lanning and Smart are former defensive coordinators who have transitioned into head coaching roles, and both have been instrumental in shaping the current landscape of college football. However, while they share a similar coaching pedigree, their approaches to the game, their styles of leadership, and their overall philosophies differ. Curtis, who is being courted by top programs such as Oregon and Georgia, offers a unique perspective on the contrasting qualities of these two football giants.

In this piece, we will delve into Jared Curtis’s insights into the differences between Oregon Ducks’ head coach Dan Lanning and Georgia Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart, examining everything from their coaching styles to their philosophies on player development and team culture.

Dan Lanning: A Rising Star with a Focus on Aggressive Defense and Innovation

Dan Lanning, who took over the head coach position at Oregon in 2022, is considered one of the brightest young minds in college football. Prior to his time at Oregon, Lanning made his name as the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia, where he worked under Kirby Smart. Lanning’s defensive prowess was critical to Georgia’s success in their national championship run in 2021, helping the Bulldogs build one of the most dominant defenses in college football history.

When Lanning arrived at Oregon, he wasted no time in instilling a defensive identity while simultaneously modernizing the Ducks’ offensive approach. He emphasized the importance of speed, athleticism, and innovation, blending traditional defensive schemes with modern strategies that allowed for quick adjustments and aggressive play. According to Jared Curtis, one of the qualities that stands out about Lanning is his emphasis on developing a flexible and multifaceted team.

Innovative Playcalling and Tactical Flexibility
Lanning is known for being a tactician, and Curtis points to this as one of the major differences between Lanning and Smart. While Kirby Smart often relies on tried-and-true principles of defensive football, Lanning takes a more fluid and experimental approach. Lanning doesn’t just stick to one type of defense or offensive scheme—he adapts based on his players’ strengths and the opposing team’s weaknesses. This innovative playcalling is something that Jared Curtis sees as one of the key differentiators between Lanning and Smart.

For Curtis, who is a quarterback, this flexibility is particularly appealing. As a highly rated signal caller, Curtis sees Lanning as a coach who will provide him with the freedom to experiment within the system, allowing him to showcase his abilities while also benefitting from a defensive game plan that focuses on creating turnovers and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Player Development and Accountability
Lanning is known for fostering a culture of competition and accountability within his program. His coaching staff emphasizes constant improvement and the need for players to push themselves daily. This emphasis on player development is not just physical but mental as well. Lanning demands that his players be both mentally tough and ready to perform at a high level in any situation.

Curtis highlights that Lanning’s coaching style is rooted in building trust between players and coaches. He emphasizes clear communication and instills confidence in his athletes by giving them the freedom to make decisions on the field, knowing that they are supported by the coaching staff. Lanning’s coaching philosophy revolves around empowering players, and Curtis finds this to be a major selling point for any top-tier recruit.

Kirby Smart: The Architect of a Georgia Dynasty Focused on Discipline and Team Cohesion

On the other side of the equation, Kirby Smart has built an unparalleled dynasty at Georgia, winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship and maintaining consistent excellence ever since. Smart is a former Nick Saban disciple, having spent several years as the defensive coordinator at Alabama before returning to his alma mater, Georgia, as head coach in 2016. Since then, Smart has transformed the Bulldogs into one of the most dominant forces in college football, thanks in large part to his focus on discipline, consistency, and player development.

Smart’s approach to coaching is more traditional compared to Lanning’s. While Lanning favors adaptability and fluidity, Smart takes a more structured approach. Smart’s emphasis on discipline and attention to detail has paid huge dividends, and Georgia’s defensive dominance, combined with their high-level recruiting, has established the Bulldogs as a perennial championship contender.

Discipline and Physicality
According to Jared Curtis, one of the key differences between Smart and Lanning is their approach to discipline. While both coaches emphasize hard work, Smart takes a more no-nonsense approach. Curtis observes that under Smart, Georgia’s players are expected to adhere to a strict regimen of physical and mental toughness. The Bulldogs are known for their grueling practices, which are designed to create players who are resilient both on and off the field.

Smart believes that football is won in the trenches, and this philosophy drives his coaching decisions. His teams are built around powerful defensive lines and physically dominant offensive lines. Smart’s commitment to toughness and a relentless work ethic has cultivated a team-first mentality within Georgia’s program, and Curtis believes this approach can be incredibly effective for players who are willing to put the team’s goals above their own individual aspirations.

Focus on Player Development and Fundamentals
Whereas Lanning may focus more on flexibility and adapting to new strategies, Smart places a high emphasis on mastering the fundamentals of the game. Curtis notes that Smart is a stickler for detail, and his teams execute with precision. His coaching style places a premium on teaching players how to play every position at a high level, from the quarterback to the offensive linemen.

Smart’s disciplined approach to player development, especially at quarterback, has led to the success of numerous standout quarterbacks, including recent NFL draftees like Justin Fields and Jake Fromm. Curtis, as a highly touted 5-star recruit, recognizes the immense value in Smart’s approach to developing quarterbacks who are well-rounded, disciplined, and able to lead in high-pressure situations.

Leadership and Cohesion
Kirby Smart is also known for his ability to build a strong team culture. One of the core tenets of Georgia football under Smart is its unshakable sense of brotherhood and unity. Curtis points to the fact that Smart fosters an environment where players are encouraged to compete hard but are also expected to put the team first. Leadership is taught on and off the field, and Smart ensures that the team remains cohesive and united in their goals.

This emphasis on teamwork and collective success is something that Curtis admires. He understands that while personal success is important, the ultimate goal is to win championships, and Smart’s coaching philosophy places the team’s success above everything else. The Bulldog culture is one of sacrifice, resilience, and a focus on long-term goals, which is something that Curtis believes will help him grow as both a player and a person.

Contrasting Leadership Styles: Lanning’s Flexibility vs. Smart’s Structure

When comparing the leadership styles of Lanning and Smart, Jared Curtis sees two very different approaches. Lanning’s style is one of flexibility and innovation, allowing players to take ownership of their roles and make adjustments based on situational needs. Smart, on the other hand, leans into structure, discipline, and traditional coaching methods to foster a culture of consistency and resilience.

While Lanning’s ability to adapt and experiment is appealing to Curtis, he also appreciates the strong foundational approach that Smart offers. For Curtis, the decision comes down to which system aligns more with his goals. Does he want the creative freedom and aggressive, flexible approach that Lanning offers, or does he prefer the structured, disciplined, and highly successful program built by Smart?

The Future of Jared Curtis in College Football

Ultimately, both Dan Lanning and Kirby Smart bring unique attributes to the table, and Jared Curtis faces a difficult decision in choosing between the two. Lanning’s innovative approach and flexible coaching style contrast with Smart’s disciplined, team-focused methodology, and Curtis must carefully evaluate which program will best suit his style of play and future development.

For both Oregon and Georgia, Curtis is a highly coveted asset, and both programs have something significant to offer. Whether he chooses Lanning’s fast-paced, innovative system or Smart’s disciplined, championship-focused program, one thing is certain: Curtis will be stepping into an exciting new chapter in his football career, with two of the most dynamic coaches in the game today.