Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Oregon Ducks Coach Turns Down Head Coaching Job Ahead of College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Dec 15, 2024 2:21 PM ET

Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are reportedly going to be able to hold onto one of their best coaches, for the time being, at least.

According to a report from 247Sports' Matt Zenitz, Oregon's assistant head coach and RB coach Ra'Shaad Samples will be staying in Eugene after turning down the head coaching position for the Sam Houston Bearkats.

Earlier this week, Samples was named one of the finalists to be hired as the next head coach at Sam Houston, but it was reported on Sunday that he is choosing to stay at Oregon.

While this is a win for Lanning and his No. 1 Ducks, it may also be temporary.

Samples was named to the AFCA 35-under-35 earlier this year, and is considered one of the best young coaches in the game. After being hired by the Ducks this year from the Arizona State Sun Devils earlier this spring, Samples has helped Oregon's rushing attack and been invaluable on the recruiting trail, assisting in the commitment and signing of 5-star WR Dakorien Moore, the No. 1 WR in the nation.

Samples' father, Reginald Samples, is a historic high school head coach at Duncanville, in Texas, where Moore played this year.

Oregon is currently enjoying a couple of weeks off as they prepare for the College Football Playoff. With the No. 1 overall seed, the Ducks have a first-round bye, and will play either the Ohio State Buckeyes or Tennessee Volunteers on New Year's Day in The Rose Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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