Full Breakdown
Oregon State Football's Coaching Shakeup: Robb Akey Takes the Helm
10/14/2025, 10:12:06 PM
Coaching Changes Following Trent Bray's Dismissal
Oregon State University has made significant changes to its football coaching staff after the dismissal of head coach Trent Bray, following an 0-7 start to the season, marking the team's worst opening since 1991. Robb Akey, previously serving as special assistant to Bray, has been appointed as the interim head coach. Akey announced a restructuring of the coaching staff during his first press conference, emphasizing the need for revitalization within the team.
On the defensive side, Mark Criner, who was the defensive quality control coach, has been promoted to linebackers coach. Co-defensive coordinators Rod Chance and Ilaisa Tuiaki will now oversee defensive strategies. Tuiaki, who previously served as BYU's defensive coordinator, brings extensive experience to the role. Akey has also decided to change the offensive play-calling duties, assigning them to Danny Langsdorf, while Ryan Gunderson will continue coaching quarterbacks.
Immediate Goals and Team Dynamics
As Akey prepares the Beavers for their upcoming game against Lafayette College, a team with a 5-2 record, he aims to instill a sense of pride and urgency in a team that has struggled throughout the season. Akey expressed confidence in his staff, stating, “We’ve got good coaches in there that have been coordinators before,” highlighting their collective experience and potential to turn the season around.
The Beavers' special teams, which have been ranked as the worst in the nation according to Pro Football Focus, will now be a collaborative effort among the coaching staff, with Akey overseeing this area as well. He believes that these changes could inject new energy into the team and improve performance on the field.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Akey's appointment, there has been criticism regarding the decision to fire Bray. Athletic director Scott Barnes stated that the results on the field were unacceptable, but some fans have expressed frustration with the leadership decisions made by Barnes, suggesting that the coaching changes may not address the underlying issues within the program.
What's Next for Oregon State Football
Looking ahead, Oregon State is set to face Lafayette on October 18, 2025. This game represents a critical opportunity for the Beavers to secure their first win of the season. Akey's leadership and the newly restructured coaching staff will be pivotal as they aim to motivate the team and restore competitiveness in the remaining games of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve got changes throughout the football team at this point in time,” — Robb Akey, Interim Head Coach
- “The play is just going to come out of a different mouth,” — Robb Akey on offensive play-calling
- “This was a difficult decision, but the results on the field were not acceptable and after evaluating every aspect of the football program, I believe it is in the best interests of OSU football student-athletes, our fans and our university.” — Scott Barnes, Athletic Director
As the Beavers navigate this transitional phase, the focus will be on rebuilding and finding a path forward amidst the challenges of the current season.
