Oregon Sticking with Coach Dana Altman Despite Tough Season

Altman expected to return for 2026-27 campaign despite Ducks' 10-17 record this year

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Despite Oregon's struggles this season, head coach Dana Altman is expected to return for the 2026-27 campaign, according to ESPN. The Ducks are currently 10-17 overall and 3-13 in Big Ten play, but Oregon remains fully committed to Altman, who has led the program to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four and Elite Eight run, since taking over in 2010.

Why it matters

Altman has been a consistent presence at Oregon, guiding the program to sustained success over the past 15 seasons. His potential departure would have been a major shakeup, so the news that he is expected to return provides stability for the Ducks as they look to rebound from a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

The details

Oregon has dealt with a number of injuries this season, leading to a 10-17 overall record and 3-13 mark in Big Ten play. However, ESPN reports that there is "no expectation for any change or a retirement" for the longtime Oregon head coach. Altman has led the Ducks to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run, since taking over the program in 2010.

  • Oregon is 10-17 overall and 3-13 in Big Ten play this season.
  • Altman has been Oregon's head coach since 2010.

The players

Dana Altman

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team since 2010, leading the program to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four and Elite Eight run.

Nate Bittle

The leading scorer for Oregon this season, averaging 16.7 points per game, but has only played in 20 of the team's 27 games due to injuries.

Jackson Shelstad

A key player for Oregon this season, averaging 15.6 points per game, but has only appeared in 12 of the team's 27 games due to injuries.

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What they’re saying

“While speculation has surrounded Colorado's Tad Boyle and Oregon's Dana Altman seemingly every season, both are likely to be back in their positions for the 2026-27 campaign, sources told ESPN.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

“Altman is in the midst of his worst season since going 7-19 at Creighton in 1994-95, with the Ducks currently 10-17 (3-13 Big Ten). But after a season beset by injuries, there's no expectation for any change or a retirement. Oregon also remains fully committed to the longtime head coach.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

Oregon has four games remaining on its 2025-2026 schedule, including a home matchup against Wisconsin on Wednesday, followed by a two-game road trip at Northwestern and No. 10 Illinois, and then a home finale against Washington.

The takeaway

Despite a difficult 2025-26 season, Oregon is showing continued faith in head coach Dana Altman, who has built the program into a consistent winner over the past 15 years. Altman's expected return provides stability for the Ducks as they look to rebound from this year's injury-plagued campaign and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2026-27.