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Oregon Ducks' Dan Lanning Motivates Team With Smashed Washington Helmet

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning successfully motivated his team with a smashed Washington Huskies helmet, revealed in the newest episode of Ducks vs. Them. The Ducks are preparing to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Championship Game, and Lanning reminds the team that they are not yet satisfied.

Charlie Viehl

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning holds up a Washington Huskies helmet at halftime before an assistant coach smashed it with a sledgehammer.
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning holds up a Washington Huskies helmet at halftime before an assistant coach smashed it with a sledgehammer. / Oregon Video Team / GoDucks YouTube
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In the Oregon Ducks' most recent episode of Ducks vs. Them, Oregon coach Dan Lanning showed off yet another motivational tactic, comparing his team's physicality to an anvil and a hammer. During halftime of the rivalry game against the Washington Huskies, the Ducks coach could not have demonstrated his point more clearly.

Lanning placed a Washington helmet on the ground in the middle of the locker room for an assistant coach to smash the helmet it with a sledge hammer. The Ducks video team's short films have become appointment viewing

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning holds up a Washington Huskies helmet at halftime before an assistant coach smashed it
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning holds up a Washington Huskies helmet at halftime before an assistant coach smashed it with a sledgehammer. / Oregon Video Team / GoDucks YouTube

The Ducks beat the Huskies 49-21, and Lanning reminded his team that they are far from satisfied after the game.

"I’ve been waiting for a complete game, that’s a complete game, men," said Lanning. "Nice work. Right, nice work. But, what? Not what done what yet? Not done yet! . . . Big Ten Championship opportunity, right? And that’s what it is. It’s an opportunity. You came to Oregon to win championships. Next week you compete in one."

The Ducks will square off against Penn State on Saturday for the Big Ten Championship.

In the 2024 season, Lanning has motivated his team through various forms. "Jump Around" for Wisconsin, the Gladiator movie for Michigan. For Washington, Lanning used a metaphor to compare the Ducks to an anvil.

The Ducks coach introduced the idea through a quote from American author Robert Jordan: "Hammer the iron that lies on your anvil instead of daydreaming about working silver."

"We talked about the hammer and the anvil. What's that look like? What's the anvil do? That's our defense. They set the wall. They build a clear, clear line in the dirt. And they let the opponent know they're not crossing that line. What's the hammer? That's our offense, that's our special teams, attacking them from every direction. Tomorrow, we bash heads," Lanning said to his team.

The episode also featured testimonies from Oregon seniors, specifically highlighting wide receiver Tez Johnson and linebacker Bryce Boettcher playing what could be their final game in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks video team highlighted Tez Johnson as he fulfilled his dreams of playing for Oregon in Autzen Stadium.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) during a senior recognition ceremony
Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) during a senior recognition ceremony before a game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

After the game, Johnson reflected on his time in Eugene.

"I never seen a fan base take someone in and just treat them like family immediately," said Johnson. "I just love the fans and the little kids because once upon a time I was one of those little kids just wishing to be in the shoes I am now. . . . It's such nice people. Just so grateful to be a part of it

Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher dances to “Shout” as the No. 1 Oregon Ducks host the Washington Huskies
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher dances to “Shout” as the No. 1 Oregon Ducks host the Washington Huskies Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lanning repeatedly hit the ground with a baseball bat during team meetings before the game, mimicking the sound of an anvil. At the end of the meeting, Lanning handed the bat to Boettcher, a two-sport athlete and a star on the Ducks defense.

Boettcher followed his coach's lead and carried the bat with him into the stadium, recreating that anvil sound by hitting the railing on the walk into Autzen. The Oregon coach's motivation clearly worked, as the Ducks won by 28 points.

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Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a 23-year old Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.

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