Dana Altman retires as Oregon men’s basketball head coach

Dana Altman announced his retirement as head coach of the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball program on Friday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon.

Altman, 68, finished his 16‑season run at Oregon with a program‑record 382 victories, nine NCAA tournament bids and a Final Four appearance in the 2016‑17 season. He will be succeeded on an interim basis by longtime assistant Tony Stubblefield, who previously served as head coach at DePaul from 2021 to 2024 before returning to Eugene.

“I’ve loved every minute of coaching here, and stepping away is difficult and truly painful,” Altman said in a statement. “I love coaching, it’s what I know best and what I’ve been fortunate enough to do for almost five decades. … It’s been the honor of my life to coach the Ducks.”

The Ducks entered the 2025‑26 season under a cloud of uncertainty, posting a 12‑20 record and seeing nine players leave through the transfer portal and three graduate. Those challenges underscored the difficulty of Altman’s decision, according to university officials.

Rob Mullins, Oregon’s athletic director, praised Altman’s contributions, noting that “winning 382 games over 16 years, including making nine NCAA tournaments and a Final Four, is an incredible track record.” He added that the numbers tell only part of the story, emphasizing the coach’s influence on student‑athletes.

Dan Lanning, head coach of the Oregon football program, offered personal commendation, calling Altman “a great mentor, sees the game, and obviously a Hall of Fame coach with what he’s been able to accomplish.” Lanning highlighted Altman’s grounded nature and his impact beyond the basketball court.

Before arriving in Eugene, Altman spent 16 seasons at Creighton, guiding the Bluejays to seven NCAA tournament appearances and 327 wins. His cumulative 792 career victories rank him 15th all‑time in Division I men’s basketball.

With the college basketball season looming, the Ducks will begin practice under Stubblefield’s guidance while the university launches a national search for a permanent head coach. The transition marks the end of an era for Oregon basketball and sets the stage for a new chapter in the program’s history.