Dana Altman's surprise retirement was the talk of the college basketball world on Wednesday, as the long-time Oregon Ducks head coach made the decision to walk away from the game after 16 seasons in Eugene and 37 years as a head coach. Altman finished just eight wins short of 800 career victories, landing at 15th on the all-time head coaching wins list in college basketball.
Throughout his time in Eugene, Altman became known as one of the top coaches in the nation, bringing the Ducks to nine NCAA tournament appearances and taking them all the way to the Final Four in 2017. He produced a number of NBA players, namely Dillon Brooks and Payton Pritchard, both of whom starred as Ducks and have lengthy NBA careers still ahead of them.
At 68 years old,
Altman created many connections in the PAC-12 and Big Ten, earning the respect of some of his fellow legendary coaches around the nation.
Following Wednesday's news, a number of college coaches paid their respects to Altman, highlighted by Michigan State's Tom Izzo and Gonzaga's Mark Few. Here are each of the coaches who gave Altman his flowers after his retirement announcement, plus former Duck Luke Jackson.
Tom Izzo — Michigan State Spartans
“I feel bad or I feel happy. I’m not sure which one for Dana.”
— Connor Earegood (@ConnorEaregood) October 7, 2026
Tom Izzo on the retirement of Dana Altman after 1,217 games and 37 seasons.@detroitnews pic.twitter.com/Fe1E7283V3
"I feel bad or I feel happy. I'm not sure which one for Dana.
Mark Few — Gonzaga Bulldogs
The massive news in College Basketball was that @OregonMBB HC Dana Altman is retiring ahead of the season.@ZagMBB HC Mark Few & Oregon Alum shares his immediate reaction to the news.#GoDucks | @EJManuel3 | @Bcarp3 pic.twitter.com/6RHeGBUI91
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) October 7, 2026
"He's had the greatest run at Oregon anyone's ever had."
Kelvin Sampson — Houston Cougars
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson says he sent a text message to @OregonMBB coach Dana Altman on Wednesday telling him thank you for “being a great role model and guardian of the game.”
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) October 8, 2026
Altman announced his retirement Wednesday after nearly 40 years at D-1 level. pic.twitter.com/wvCHlzGMNX
"Job well done. He was such a good coach. He was such a good man. He's one of the good guys."
Steve Alford — Former UCLA Bruins HC
In September, Steve Alford announced his retirement following the season.
— Bryce Brauneisen (@brycebrauny) October 7, 2026
Today, Oregon HC Dana Altman announced his retirement.
Alford gave credit to his fellow competitor and future Hall of Famer on a great career.#BattleBorn #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/wHVnQEaOKO
"Couldn't be more happy for him because he's had an incredible coaching career and I've got great, great respect for him."
Sean Miller — Texas Longhorns
Dana Altman is one of the BEST college basketball coaches to ever do it.
— Sean Miller (@SMillerUT) October 8, 2026
A relentless competitor himself, his teams mirrored his personality. No lead was ever safe against his teams. Full court pressure, match-up zone, fast-paced transition and his systematic two-guard offense… pic.twitter.com/kbczXThLmn
"Dana Altman is one of the BEST college basketball coaches to ever do it."
Brad Underwood — Illinois Fighting Illini
“Everything he has touched has found success.”@IlliniMBB’s Brad Underwood on Dana Altman’s impact following his retirement at @OregonMBB 😊 pic.twitter.com/REdMdlgvUc
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 8, 2026
"Everything he has touched has found success."
Mike Young — Virginia Tech Hokies
Mike Young’s reaction to Dana Altman’s retirement.
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) October 7, 2026
“I love Dana Altman and what he’s done for college basketball… he will be missed.” @accmbb Tip Off coverage is LIVE ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rWO1EV4pOV
"I love Dana Altman and what he's done for college basketball."
Luke Jackson — Former Duck
Former Duck Luke Jackson on Dana Altman announcing his retirement. pic.twitter.com/Hn4TwrbKjk
— Sports Animal Eugene (@SportsAnimalEug) October 8, 2026
"I'm just really thankful for the Dana Altman era where he really left a legacy of excellence."
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Tom Izzo, Mark Few, other college coaches pay respects to Dana Altman
