Malik Benson Offers Rare Insight Into Dan Lanning And Nick Saban

Malik Benson Offers Rare Insight Into Dan Lanning And Nick Saban centers on a player perspective linking Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning and former Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. Benson, a former Ducks receiver who also played at Alabama, spent time under both coaches: Saban hired Lanning in 2015 as a graduate assistant, and the staff later won a National Championship at Alabama. After being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, Benson described during an Oregon Ducks interview with SI reporter Bri Amaranthus how Lanning’s “four pillars” and emphasis on connection, growth, toughness, and sacrifice shape practice culture. Benson also noted Lanning uses competitive, playful interaction in drills and praised his emphasis on knowing teammates’ stories. He additionally predicted success for Oregon, while comparing similarities to Saban.