Oddsmakers list overwhelming favorite to be named next Alabama coach

Jan 5, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; A view of the Alabama Crimson Tide logo is seen at the Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban stunned the sports world on Wednesday when he announced his retirement, and oddsmakers seem to believe Alabama already has their next head coach lined up.

As of Thursday morning, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was listed as an overwhelming favorite to be named Saban’s successor. Gambling website SportsBetting.ag gives Lanning -300 odds to be the next Alabama head coach, meaning you would have to risk $300 for the potential to win $100.

Lane Kiffin is a distant second-favorite behind Lanning at +700. Steve Sarkisian and Mike Norvell are next at +800 and +1000. You can see the top 10 below:

Dan Lanning -300
Lane Kiffin +700
Steve Sarkisian +800
Mike Norvell +1000
Kalen DeBoer +1400
Curt Cignetti +1400
Dabo Swinney +1600
Bob Stoops +1600
Pat Shurmur +2000
Urban Meyer +2000

Shortly after the Saban news was announced, Lanning was listed as the favorite at +300. He was only slightly ahead of Swinney (+400) and Kiffin (+500), so there was a major odds shift overnight. One report on Wednesday night claimed Lanning was already in Tuscaloosa for a visit, which could explain the swing.

Lanning has been the head coach at Oregon the last two seasons. The 37-year-old is from Missouri and has SEC experience.

Lanning served as a graduate assistant for Alabama in 2015 and then was with Georgia from 2018-2021 before being hired by Oregon.

With the Ducks, Lanning has gone 22-5 in two seasons, producing double-digit wins in both years. Oregon went 12-2 this season, losing twice to Washington.

All indications have been that Lanning is Alabama’s top target.