Full Breakdown
Oregon State Football Program Seeks New Head Coach After Trent Bray's Dismissal
11/6/2025, 2:46:06 PM
Overview of the Coaching Change
The Oregon State Beavers football team is in the process of finding a new head coach following the dismissal of Trent Bray after a challenging start to the 2025 season. Bray, who took over as head coach after Jonathan Smith's departure to Michigan State, concluded his tenure with a record of 5-14, including a disappointing 1-13 over his last 14 games. This decision comes as the Beavers prepare for their final home game against Sam Houston, with a current record of 2-7.
Background on Trent Bray's Tenure
Trent Bray, a former player for the Beavers from 2002 to 2005, was appointed head coach in November 2023. His coaching experience included serving as the defensive coordinator under Smith. Despite his previous success as a player, Bray struggled to translate that into wins as a head coach, leading to his early termination after just over a season and a half.
The Search for a New Head Coach
Oregon State is now actively searching for Bray's replacement. The coaching search is critical as the program aims to stabilize and improve its performance. Various candidates are being considered, with a focus on individuals who have demonstrated success at other programs.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Several names have emerged as potential candidates to lead the Beavers:
Jay Hill
Currently the defensive coordinator at BYU, Hill has a strong track record, having previously served as head coach at Weber State, where he achieved six playoff appearances and four Big Sky Conference Championships.
Jason Eck
The head coach at New Mexico, Eck has led the Lobos to a 6-3 record this season, marking their first winning season since 2016. His success at Idaho, where he compiled a 26-13 record, makes him an intriguing candidate.
Tony Alford
Alford, currently the running backs coach at Michigan, has a successful recruiting background and a history as a player at Colorado State. Although he has not held a head coaching position, his experience at elite programs could be beneficial for Oregon State.
Bryan Harsin
Harsin, the offensive coordinator at Cal, has prior head coaching experience with a successful stint at Boise State. Despite a less favorable experience at Auburn, his overall coaching record makes him a viable candidate.
Official Statements & Responses
The Oregon State athletic department has not publicly commented on the specifics of the coaching search or potential candidates. However, the urgency of the situation is evident as the program seeks to regain competitiveness in the Pac-12.
Criticism & Opposition
Some fans and analysts have expressed concerns regarding the timing and decision-making process behind Bray's dismissal. Critics argue that the program may benefit from continuity rather than another coaching change, especially given the challenges of rebuilding a team.
What's Next
As the Beavers prepare for their matchup against Sam Houston, the focus will also be on finalizing their coaching search. The outcome of this search will significantly impact the future direction of the Oregon State football program.
