Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is reaching into the Ducks’ past to usher in its future on April 23.

De’Anthony Thomas (offensive coordinator) and Haloti Ngata (defensive coordinator) will serve as honorary coaches for the Yellow team, while La’Michael James (OC) and Arik Armstead (DC) will return as honorary coaches for the Green team during Oregon’s upcoming spring game. The program announced the news Wednesday, adding that other former players and alumni are expected back in Eugene for the game.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these four legends and so many other incredible alumni back to Autzen Stadium,” Lanning said in a statement. “This program is built upon the foundation that all of our former Ducks have established, and we’re honored that they are returning to Eugene for this event. We need our fans to pack Autzen Stadium to welcome these guys back and create an awesome atmosphere for the Spring Game.”

The game will begin at 1 p.m. PT that day, with the first three quarters simulating a real game. Thomas, Ngata, James, and Armstead will call plays for the teams during a fourth quarter that will feature other on-field activities “to get fans involved in the action,” the Ducks say.

The spring game will be just one event in a day full of them, something the program is calling Duck Day. Among other things, track and field will host the Oregon Relays throughout the day at Hayward Field (start time of 10 a.m.) and the soccer team will host an 11 a.m. exhibition against Seattle U at Papé Field.

Admission to the spring game is free. The school said vaccinations and face coverings will no longer be required for any of the events. Parking passes can be purchased for $5 here.

To bring back Oregon stars and longtime favorites is a slam-dunk move for Lanning as he readies for his debut in Autzen Stadium. Lanning has said the day will be key for the Ducks recruiting efforts in the 2023 class, and he hopes to see a packed house.

“This is going to be a tremendous day for Oregon Athletics and for our fans,” Lanning said. “We obviously want Autzen to be packed and rocking, but we also want to see our fans show out for all of the other terrific programs that are competing throughout the day.”