Oregon State names Trent Bray coach: Beavers elevate defensive coordinator to replace Jonathan Smith
State of Oregon The program announced Tuesday that it is promoting defensive coordinator Trent Brain to head coach to replace Jonathan Smith. Bray, 41, has been with the Beavers since 2018 as the first linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the past two and a half seasons.
“I am pleased to announce Trent as our next head coach,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. “After interviewing several qualified candidates, we realized our top choice, Trent, has already been an integral part of the Valley Football Center and Razor Stadium. He has been a part of the Beaver Nation for a long time and his passion for this place is genuine. The relationships he has built with our student-athletes Faith is unmatched. His energy and commitment as a head coach will be instrumental in the continued success of the program.
Bray played linebacker for the Beavers from 2002-05. The Pullman, Washington native began his coaching career as a graduate assistant. Arizona State In the year In 2008, he previously worked on the Oregon State staff from 2012 to 2014, then quit. Nebraska In the year Smith in 2015-17 before returning to his alma mater when he got the job in 2018. Michigan State After leading the Beavers to an 8-4 regular season.
“I want to thank Scott Barnes and President Jayati Murthy for this opportunity,” Bray said. “I’ve been a part of Oregon State for a long time, both as a coach and a student-athlete, and I know how special Beaver Nation is. I’m excited to lead an outstanding group of men that our fans can be proud of.”
Under Brey’s leadership, Oregon State ranked 35th in total defense and 14th nationally following the 2023 regular season. After going 10-3 last season, the Beavers ranked 24th in total defense and 16th in pass defense.
Uncertain times in Corvallis
Bray’s promotion comes at a time of uncertainty for Oregon State’s athletic department as the PAC-12 splits. Ten of the 12 current members are headed to the ACC, Big 12 or Big Ten after this season. In the middle of the adjustment, Oregon State and Washington State are the two remaining schools in the Pac-12.
The Beavers and Cougars are in. A conversation with the mountain west Schools prepare for 2024 timetable. But the long-term financial future of both programs remains uncertain without a major television contract to prop up their athletic department budgets. Barring an unexpected call from the Big 12 or another league, Oregon State is temporarily out of power conference status.
A face that has never been seen before
In times of uncertainty, Bree must be reassuring. In the year He was a first-team All-Pac-12 player as a linebacker for the Beavers in 2005 and served nine seasons on the program’s staff. He has been instrumental in helping Oregon State post an 18-7 mark over the past two seasons and has connections with administrators trying to lead the athletic department through a tumultuous time.
At a time when recruiting new talent is harder than ever, promoting from within should also help keep the Beavers on the roster. Oregon State has established itself as one of the most physical programs on the West Coast, and Bray’s defense has become an integral part of its identity. In particular, Oregon State’s run defense was elite. The Beavers held six opponents under 100 yards this season.
