With season about to start, Ducks men’s basketball coach Dana Altman retires

University of Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman has retired.

The news came Wednesday morning in a release from UO, announcing that the 68-year-old head coach, who won 382 games in 16 seasons in Eugene while leading the Ducks to the 2017 Final Four, has stepped away from the program.

“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. I’m going to miss my coaches, my players and our incredible fans more than I can express. But I know this is the right thing to do at this time.”

UO said assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will serve as interim head coach for the 2026-27 season. Stubblefield spent 13 seasons on Altman’s staff at UO.

In an afternoon press conference, Altman elaborated on his decision.

“I had two weeks off in August, and I thought my energy would return,” he said. “It didn’t. And some people I trust and truly respect told me just to delegate more and take it easier, back off a little bit. I tried that for a couple of weeks in September. And that’s not me, that’s not what I’ve done for 37 years.” 

He paused to steady his voice and wipe his nose. 

“I always ask the players to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they’re giving everything they have to be their best,” Altman continued. “For us to be a good team they have to look in that mirror and be their best. I looked in that mirror, and I’d be a hypocrite if I lied to myself and said I was the best coach for the job.”

Altman’s abrupt retirement comes just eight days before the Ducks’ exhibition against Seattle and less than a month before their Nov. 2 season opener against Montana.

Altman retires with 792 wins overall in his coaching career. He is scheduled to speak at a 1:30 p.m. press conference.

Altman voiced support for Stubblefield.

“I think Tony will do a better job than I would with this team,” Altman said of his protege. “He’s got more energy, he’s ready. The guys believe in him. I think he’ll do a great job.”