A hanger assembly provided for multiple hanging opportunities. If liner is being run and the primary hanger doesn't work then a backup hanger is available to set near the nonfunctional primary hanger. In drilling with casing applications when there is a steering equipment malfunction or an MWD breakdown or bit wear requiring the BHA to be pulled, the liner can be hung where it is and the BHA pulled. Upon running back in with the BHA on a running tool the initial hanger can be released and the running tool configured to only set a different hanger when the total depth is reached in drilling with the liner. The running tool is then retrieved and the completion can go on.