Dana Altman Retires from Oregon Basketball Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Dana Altman, the head coach of Oregon basketball, has retired effective immediately, just a day before he was scheduled to speak at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. This marks the third consecutive season in which a long-serving coach has stepped down shortly before the season begins.

Altman, who is recognized as the best coach in Oregon's history, follows Virginia's Tony Bennett and Auburn's Bruce Pearl in making a sudden exit. His decision comes amid frustrations over roster changes and the NCAA's new eligibility model, which has led to increased turnover and complications within the program.

Oregon's roster faced significant challenges, particularly with the departure of key players, including point guard Jackson Shelstad, who transferred to Louisville. Altman's retirement allows for the promotion of assistant coach Tony Stubblefield to interim head coach, which is intended to stabilize the team and prevent players from entering the transfer portal until November 7. Altman concludes his career just eight wins shy of the 800-win milestone.