EUGENE — Dan Lanning understands that, in a long college football season, you have to mix it up. It is the driving force behind the Oregon football coach’s oft-viral motivational speeches, including the one against Michigan that evoked Russell Crowe’s character in “Gladiator” and created a memorable moment for his players on the field.

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are led by coach Dan Lanning, who is adamant that the "grass is damn green in Eugene." However, coach Lanning's name has been buzzing in the NFL, according to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

There is reportedly some belief within the NFL that Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning has what it takes to make the leap to the professional ranks if