A Coaching Shake-Up Rocks Oregon State Football: Trent Bray Out After Disastrous Start
In a move that sends shockwaves through the college football world, the Oregon State Beavers have fired head coach Trent Bray, just one day after a humiliating defeat to Wake Forest. This decision, reported by multiple sources on Sunday morning, marks a dramatic shift for a program desperately seeking a turnaround.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was Bray given enough time to implement his vision, or did the administration act too hastily? The Beavers, currently sitting at a dismal 0-7, have been plagued by self-inflicted errors and a noticeable lack of on-field intensity. Bray, a former Beaver linebacker himself, took the helm in November 2023 after Jonathan Smith's unexpected departure for Michigan State. However, his tenure has been marked by a staggering 13 losses in his last 14 games, dating back to last season.
Despite the mounting pressure, Bray seemed hesitant to make significant changes. Notably, he waited until last Sunday to dismiss special teams coordinator Jamie Christian, despite the Beavers boasting the worst special teams unit in the entire FBS. Bray's own dismissal comes just a week after he declared, “Now is the right time to make a change in our football program,” in reference to Christian's firing.
A statement from Athletic Director Scott Barnes at the time hinted at the growing frustration: “My expectations are high, and right now, we are not meeting them.” Barnes further emphasized that he was working closely with Bray to review every aspect of the program and promised immediate changes. Those changes, it seems, included Bray's own removal.
Bray, a 42-year-old Oregon State alum, had a promising start to his coaching career. He began as a graduate assistant at Arizona State under Dennis Erickson before returning to his alma mater in 2012 as a graduate assistant and linebackers coach. He followed Mike Riley to Nebraska in 2015 and returned to OSU in 2018 as linebackers coach under Jonathan Smith. Promoted to interim defensive coordinator in 2021, he took on the full-time role in 2022 and 2023 before being named head coach.
Despite his connections to the program and his impressive playing career, Bray's head coaching record stands at a disappointing 5-14. With the Pac-12 undergoing a major restructuring for the 2026 season, the Beavers now find themselves at a crossroads, searching for a new leader to navigate an uncertain future.
And this is the part most people miss: Bray's departure triggers a 30-day window for OSU players to enter the transfer portal, potentially leading to further upheaval within the program.
The Beavers will look to break their losing streak on Saturday, October 18th, when they host Lafayette (5-2, FCS) at Reser Stadium at 7 p.m. PT. The game will be televised on The CW (Channel 32 in Portland).
Food for Thought: Was Bray's firing justified, or did the administration pull the trigger too soon? Did his reluctance to make changes earlier in the season seal his fate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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