Dan Lanning's former top assistant heads to trial in $400,000 lawsuit as Oregon Ducks seek to enforce alleged breached contract

Carlos Locklyn, now with Ohio State, faces a trial against his former employer, the University of Oregon, over a contract dispute.

Lane County Circuit Court Judge Michelle Bassi rejected Locklyn’s motion to partially dismiss Oregon’s civil lawsuit alleging breach of contract, according to documents reported by The Oregonian’s James Crepea. 

On Monday, Bassi’s office informed attorneys for both parties that the case is ready for a trial date assignment. Locklyn’s attorney, John Berg, submitted an amended response to the lawsuit last Wednesday, reinforcing the denials and defenses initially filed in May.

The dispute centers on a $400,000 buyout clause in Locklyn’s Oregon contract. After leaving Oregon for Ohio State in April 2024, Locklyn sent a $200,000 personal check to the university, which Oregon returned, deeming it insufficient. The university is now pursuing the full $400,000 plus 9% interest.

Crepea reports that Locklyn renewed his request for the court to deem Oregon’s contract interpretation “inaccurate, invalid, and unenforceable” and to dismiss the case with prejudice. He also seeks to have Oregon cover his legal fees.

Locklyn served as a coach at Oregon for two seasons before joining Ryan Day’s staff at Ohio State, where he will enter his second year in 2025. He's been a dynamic recruiter with the Buckeyes, but the Ducks haven't had many issues replacing him with their own excellent success.