The Oregon basketball program is entering the 2026-27 season with a major change on the sidelines. Dana Altman has announced his retirement after 16 seasons as the Ducks’ head coach, leaving the program just weeks before the start of the new campaign.
Altman’s decision comes less than a month before Oregon’s scheduled Nov. 2 opener against Montana, creating an unexpected coaching transition for the Ducks. Longtime assistant Tony Stubblefield will take over as interim head coach for the upcoming season while Oregon searches for a permanent replacement.
Dana Altman Announces Oregon Basketball Retirement
Dana Altman announced his retirement on Wednesday, bringing an end to a 16-season tenure that made him the winningest coach in Oregon program history.
In a statement released by the school, Altman described the decision as difficult and said stepping away from coaching was “truly painful.” He also reflected on a coaching career that has spanned nearly five decades.
Altman, 68, leaves Oregon with a 382-182 record. During his time in Eugene, he guided the Ducks to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and helped deliver one of the most memorable moments in program history with a 2017 Final Four appearance.
That Final Four run was particularly significant because it marked Oregon’s first appearance at that stage of the NCAA Tournament in 78 years.
Tony Stubblefield Takes Over as Interim Coach
With the season approaching quickly, Oregon has turned to Tony Stubblefield to lead the team.
Stubblefield is a familiar figure within the Oregon basketball program. He spent 11 seasons on Altman’s coaching staff before leaving to become the head coach at DePaul. He returned to Oregon in 2024 and now has the responsibility of guiding the Ducks through an unusual season.
His appointment provides Oregon with continuity at a time when the program must adjust to the sudden departure of its longtime head coach.
Oregon plans to conduct a search for a permanent head coach after the season, meaning Stubblefield’s interim role could become one of the most closely watched storylines surrounding the Ducks throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Altman’s Oregon Legacy
Dana Altman’s impact on Oregon basketball extends well beyond his overall win total.
His 382 victories with the Ducks made him the program’s winningest coach, while his nine NCAA Tournament appearances established Oregon as a consistent postseason program during his tenure.
The 2017 Final Four run stands as the defining achievement of his Oregon career. Altman helped transform the Ducks into a nationally relevant program and guided them through the move into the Big Ten era.
However, his final season proved difficult. Injuries and inconsistent play contributed to a 12-20 record, including a 5-15 mark in Big Ten play.
What Comes Next for Oregon Basketball?
The immediate focus for Oregon is preparing for the season while adapting to a new voice in charge.
Tony Stubblefield’s familiarity with the players, staff and program could help provide stability, but the Ducks will ultimately have to navigate the season knowing that a permanent coaching search is coming.
For Oregon basketball, Altman’s retirement represents the conclusion of a significant chapter. His departure creates uncertainty heading into the new season, but it also begins a new era for a program that has enjoyed substantial success under his leadership.
The Ducks will open the season against Montana on Nov. 2, with Stubblefield stepping into the spotlight as Oregon begins life after Dana Altman.
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