Oregon coach Dan Lanning: Bo Nix 'can be an absolutely great quarterback for the Broncos'

Even though he expected the announcement to come, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was fired up Wednesday when head coach Sean Payton officially announced rookie Bo Nix as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.

Nix starred for the Ducks the past two seasons under Lanning, and the two exchanged text messages after the announcement.

“I’m not surprised at all,’’ Lanning told The Denver Gazette on Thursday about Payton’s choice. “I know how hard Bo works. Honestly, I felt like it was a great fit from the start. I think the sky is the limit for him, so I’m really pumped for him. I also know that his goal wasn’t just to be named the starter. His goal is to go out there and perform really well for the team. He has high expectations for himself. I’m excited to see him achieve those.”

Payton often has cited the maturity of Nix, 24, who played in 61 college games at Auburn for three seasons and at Oregon for two. Before being the No. 12 pick in the draft in April, Nix threw for 4,508 yards last season with 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions for the Ducks.

“The part that was always different for me with Bo is I 100% always felt like every game I was walking on the field with another coach who just happens to play for us, and I think that’s where his maturity shows up,’’ Lanning said. “He’s seen a lot of things, knows a lot of things and as much as any player is 100% dedicated to his craft.”

Nix on Sept. 8 at Seattle will become just the second Broncos' rookie quarterback to start a season opener, following John Elway in 1983.

“He’s going to go out there and bust his tail and perform,'' Lanning said.

So how good does Lanning believe Nix will end up being for the Broncos?

“When it’s all said and done, Bo can be an absolutely great quarterback for the Broncos and I’m excited to see that all play out,’’ he said.