Wilber, Neb., native Dana Altman announced Wednesday that he is stepping away from coaching, ending a distinguished 37‑season career in Division I basketball. Altman, who has been the head coach of the Oregon Ducks for the past 16 years, said the decision was “truly painful” but reflects a desire to spend more time with family after nearly five decades devoted to the sport.
Career highlights
Altman’s coaching résumé includes 792 wins and 425 losses, ranking him 15th all‑time in Division I victories. He spent 16 seasons at Creighton, where he built a program that became a fixture in the Missouri Valley and later the Big East. After brief stints at Marshall and Kansas State, Altman took the helm at Oregon in 2009.
During his tenure with the Ducks, Altman guided the team to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a run to the 2017 Final Four. Under his leadership, Oregon captured four Pac‑12 regular‑season titles and four Pac‑12 Tournament championships, cementing the program as a consistent contender in the West.
Personal reflections
Speaking at a press conference, Altman reflected on two pivotal moments in his career. “The first was leaving Creighton, a place my family and I dearly loved, to come to Oregon,” he said. “This is the second. I’ve loved every minute of coaching here, and stepping away is difficult and truly painful. I love coaching; it’s what I know best and what I’ve been fortunate enough to do for almost five decades. I’m going to miss my coaches, my players and our incredible fans more than I can express.”
Local ties
Altman’s roots run deep in Nebraska. He grew up in the small town of Wilber and began his coaching journey in the state. His final game coaching in Nebraska came last season when the Ducks faced the Cornhuskers at Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena, a fitting full‑circle moment for the native son.
While Altman’s retirement marks the end of an era for Oregon basketball, his impact on Nebraska’s coaching community remains profound. Former players and fellow coaches in the state have praised his mentorship, noting how his emphasis on discipline, faith, and family values helped shape countless young athletes.
Looking ahead
The Oregon athletic department has not yet announced Altman’s successor, but the program is expected to conduct a thorough search for a leader who can sustain the high standards Altman set. Meanwhile, Altman hinted that he may stay involved in basketball in a less demanding capacity, though he declined to specify any particular role.
Fans across the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest will remember Altman not only for his on‑court achievements but also for his steadfast commitment to character and community—a legacy that aligns with the values cherished by families and faith‑centered neighborhoods.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
