Oregon Ducks Coach Dana Altman Says He Will Not Be Retiring

Oregon coach Dana Altman yells to players during a timeout in the second half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

By 750 THE GAME STAFF

There were reports from ESPN and CBS that stated Oregon basketball coach Dana Altman has thought about retirement in the offseason. Altman is under contract through the 2027-28 season after signing a one-year extension ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, Altman is due to make $3.775 million each season through ’25-’26, and will make $4 million in each of the final two years of his deal.

Altman made it clear that he has no plans to retire at the end of the season on Tuesday.

“Not sure who said (that),” said Altman in response to a question from 247 Sports’ Matt Prehm. “I haven’t talked to anybody. So whoever is saying that, it’s pure speculation. I’m not going anywhere. Unless the school tells me I’m not here. I’m not retiring.”

#Oregon head coach Dana Altman shuts down retirement rumors on Tuesday. Credit @MattPrehm for the question. pic.twitter.com/7U1bQEtok1

— Max Torres (@mtorressports) March 6, 2024

It sure seems like Altman is staying at Oregon based off of his comments.

But John Canzano doesn’t know if Altman can be trusted with his words right now because of the draining emotional toll the college basketball season takes on a person.

“I would say let’s wait until next week and see how his team does in the conference tournament and how he’s feeling then,” Canzano said Wednesday on 750 The Game. “He tends to, at the end of the season, to be a little more emotional in that way.”

Canzano understood the comments made by Altman. And thinks that right now at this moment Altman is being truthful and that he plans on staying in Eugene next season. But Canzano gave some advice that he thinks Altman should use.

“You should never make decisions at the end of the season,” Canzano said. “I tell beat reporters who cover beats that historically that’s not a good time to make any life decision when you are tired, fatigued, when you’re upset.”

It wouldn’t be the first time a coach says he is coming back and then leaves and it won’t be the last. Canzano feels like you should take Altman at his word and that he will be back next season. But it’s a case where if the Ducks lose their opening round game in the conference tournament it may not be shocking to see a guy like Altman finally say he’s done coaching for the Ducks.

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