Oregon State promotes DC Bray to head coach

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Elder WriterNov 28, 2023, 09:42 PM ET

Close

• College football press reporter.
• Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.Oregon State promoted defensive organizer Trent Bray, a former Beavers linebacker who significantly enhanced the team’s defense over the past two-plus seasons, to head coach on Tuesday night.Bray, 41, replaces Jonathan Smith, 44, who was presented earlier Tuesday

  as Michigan State’s head coach. Bray signed up with Smith’s personnel at Oregon State in 2018 as linebackers coach however began making his mark when Smith raised him to organizer in 2021. After the defense carried out well down the stretch, Bray made the irreversible organizer title before the LA Bowl. Bray likewise acted as an Oregon State assistant from 2012 to 2014 under Mike Riley before joining Riley at Nebraska, where he acted as interim head coach after Riley’s firing in 2017.”After speaking with a number of certified candidates, we understood our top choice, Trent, has already been an essential at the Valley Football Center and Reser Stadium,”Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes stated in a declaration.”He’s been a part of Beaver Country for a long time and love for this location is genuine. The connection and trust he has actually built with our student athletes is unequaled. His energy and decision as head coach will be a catalyst for ongoing program success.” Editor’s Picks 2 Related Bray will be presented at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.Oregon State is 20-9 with Bray as its D-coordinator, and it led the Pac-12 in points enabled

  and backyards allowed 2022. According to sources, the school thought about a number of candidates with previous head-coaching experience, including San Jose State’s Brent Brennan and Paul Chryst, an offensive expert at Texas and a previous Oregon State offending organizer who went on to coach Pitt and Wisconsin.The Beavers completed the routine season 8-4, and they are ranked No. 20 in the most recent CFP standings as they await a bowl berth this weekend.Bray bet Oregon State from 2002 to 2005, making first-team all-conference honors in

  his final season. He was an assistant at Arizona State in 2010 and 2011 before going back to his university.”I’ve belonged of Oregon State for a long period of time

  , as a coach and a student-athlete, and understand how special Beaver Country is,”Bray stated in a declaration.”I’m excited to lead an outstanding group of men our fans can be pleased with.

  “He takes over at Oregon State during a time of transition and uncertainty, as the Pac-12 is set to dissolve. Oregon State and Washington State, the two Pac-12 members who didn’t find homes in other conferences, are seeking full control of

  the Pac-12’s governing board and finances. The Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday remained a lower court’s judgment from previously this month that gave control to the 2 schools.Oregon State and Washington State still must complete their 2024 football schedules and other essential matters.Bray’s hire offers Oregon State with a chance to preserve connection with its roster, including essential players such as star running back Damien Martinez, who has actually stated he prepares to stay with the program

  .