Oregon’s Dan Lanning Reveals Powerful 45-Minute Conversation With Clemson’s Dabo Swinney That Sparked Ducks’ 2025 “Double Down” Mantra

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning didn’t set out to find a slogan for the Ducks’ 2025 season during a conversation with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. But that’s exactly what happened after the two connected during a quiet offseason moment—a 45-minute phone call that would go on to shape Oregon’s mindset heading into one of the most pivotal seasons in recent memory.

At Big Ten Media Days, Lanning revealed that he reached out to Swinney not as a rival or competitor, but as a student of the game. He wanted wisdom. Guidance. Perspective from someone who has led his program to national titles, stayed the course through adversity, and built a blueprint for sustained excellence.

What he got in return wasn’t a detailed strategy or hours of technical talk. It was something much simpler—yet far more impactful.

“He asked me, ‘Do you love your process?’ I said yes. Then he said, ‘Well, double down.’ And that’s it.”

Those two words—double down—now define everything the Ducks are doing in 2025.

The Call That Changed the Offseason

It’s not uncommon for head coaches to reach out to one another in the college football fraternity, but Lanning’s decision to contact Swinney was a little unexpected. The two coaches don’t share a conference, and Oregon and Clemson haven’t met on the field during Lanning’s tenure.

Still, Lanning saw an opportunity to learn from a coach who had built Clemson into a perennial powerhouse.

“I just randomly shot him a text,” Lanning said. “He’s a guy who’s had consistent success, who’s led through transition, who’s done things the right way. I thought, ‘Why not reach out?’”

Swinney, known for being open and accessible despite his status, responded right away. What followed was nearly an hour of candid conversation between two coaches at different stages of their careers—but united by similar challenges.

Swinney, the veteran who’s weathered the highs and lows of building a modern dynasty.
Lanning, the rising star tasked with leading a national title contender into a new era in the Big Ten.

What started as a mentor-style check-in ended up becoming a defining moment.

“Do You Love Your Process?”

When Swinney asked Lanning whether he loved the process he and his staff had implemented in Eugene, Lanning’s answer was immediate. Yes. Absolutely.

But what struck Lanning was Swinney’s next piece of advice: “Double down.”

It wasn’t complicated. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t some secret recruiting formula or schematic innovation. It was a challenge to stay committed—to dig deeper into the philosophies, routines, and cultural standards that have already positioned Oregon as a rising national power.

“That stuck with me,” Lanning said. “We already believe in what we do. That conversation reminded me to go even harder. Be even more intentional.”

From that moment, Oregon’s 2025 theme was born. Double Down.

Why “Double Down” Resonates

The slogan quickly spread throughout the Oregon locker room, weight room, and coaching offices. It’s more than a hashtag—it’s a mindset.

For Lanning and the Ducks, “double down” means:

• Doubling down on discipline — Finishing every rep, every drill, every meeting with intensity and focus.

• Doubling down on player development — Investing in the process, not just outcomes.

• Doubling down on culture — Staying true to who Oregon is, even as the spotlight grows brighter.

• Doubling down on belief — Knowing that the foundation they’ve laid is enough—if they commit to it fully.

Senior linebacker Jeffrey Bassa said the phrase has changed the energy in the locker room.

“Coach Lanning told us about the conversation with Coach Swinney, and it fired us up. We’ve got what we need—we just have to double down.”

Dan Lanning: A Coach Still Learning, Still Growing

Lanning’s transparency about seeking mentorship is notable in a profession often defined by ego. His willingness to call Swinney, admit that he doesn’t have all the answers, and then implement that advice across the program speaks volumes.

At just 38 years old, Lanning is one of the youngest Power Five head coaches, but he’s shown a maturity well beyond his years. That same humility—combined with relentless competitiveness—helped him lead Oregon to 22 wins in two seasons and a Fiesta Bowl victory.

But the bar is higher now.

Oregon enters 2025 as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a loaded defense, and elite depth at the skill positions, expectations are sky-high. Every detail matters. Every decision could define a season.

That’s why Lanning values conversations like the one he had with Swinney.

“It’s easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing,” he said. “But when a coach like Dabo tells you to trust your process and double down, you listen.”

Swinney’s Legacy and Why It Matters

Love him or hate him, Dabo Swinney’s track record speaks for itself. Two national championships. Six College Football Playoff appearances. Dozens of NFL Draft picks. All built on a foundation of culture, consistency, and conviction.

It’s those qualities that Lanning wants to mirror—not just the trophies.

While Swinney has come under fire in recent years for his stance on the transfer portal and NIL, his ability to sustain success in a rapidly changing sport is impressive. Lanning saw in Swinney a coach who didn’t flinch when adversity came—he simply reinforced his values.

“He reminded me that success doesn’t come from chasing trends,” Lanning said. “It comes from doing what you believe in—over and over again.”

That philosophy has now made its way from Clemson to Eugene.

The Big Ten Challenge Awaits

The timing of Oregon’s internal reset couldn’t be more critical. 2025 marks the Ducks’ first full season as members of the Big Ten, a move that introduces new opponents, longer road trips, and heightened competition.

USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State await. Every week will be a battle. And Lanning knows there’s no room for shortcuts.

That’s where “double down” comes in.

“We’ve been building something special, but now it’s time to go all in,” Lanning said. “Big Ten, CFP, national titles—it’s all in front of us. But we have to double down on what got us here.”

Players Buying In

It’s clear the Ducks’ locker room is embracing the message.

Sophomore wide receiver Jurrion Dickey said he keeps the phrase in his locker.
Offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius has it written on his wrist tape.
Even incoming freshmen have posted about “doubling down” on social media.

This isn’t just coach speak—it’s become a real rallying cry.

“We’re not changing who we are,” said junior safety Bryan Addison. “We’re just doing more of what works. That’s what double down means.”

Could Oregon and Clemson Meet?

While the Ducks and Tigers don’t currently share a future non-conference date, fans on both sides have floated the idea of a Lanning vs. Swinney clash on the field.

Could a home-and-home be scheduled down the road?

Could they meet in the College Football Playoff?

One thing’s certain: a game between the coach who gave the advice and the one who ran with it would be must-see TV.

Until then, their programs remain linked by a single phone call and a powerful two-word mantra.

Dan Lanning’s revelation about his conversation with Dabo Swinney offers a rare glimpse into the mentorship that exists behind the scenes in college football.

In a world obsessed with drama, rankings, and bravado, here’s a story about one coach seeking wisdom, another offering it freely, and a program ready to take the next step by staying grounded in what works.

Lanning didn’t steal Swinney’s playbook. He didn’t ask how to run a defense or win the portal.

He asked a bigger question: “Am I doing this the right way?”

Swinney’s answer was simple: “Double down.”

And now, that message might just carry the Ducks all the way to the College Football Playoff.