12 Possible Candidates (and One Long Shot) for the Next Oregon State Football Coach
Oregon State football's national coaching search is underway following the firing of Trent Bray on Sunday morning. Robb Akey will lead the Beavers for the remainder of the 2025 season, but who are the leading candidates to take over in Corvallis?
Top Options:
Brent Vigen (HC, Montana State): Vigen is a strong contender, boasting a 52-12 record with the Bobcats. He has experience as a tight end at North Dakota State and as offensive coordinator at Wyoming, including two seasons with Josh Allen as his starting quarterback. Vigen was favored for the Washington State job before negotiations fell through, making him an excellent candidate to reboot the Beavers.
Tim Plough (HC, UC Davis): Plough, 40, made an immediate impact as the Aggies' head coach in 2024, leading his alma mater to an 11-3 record and an appearance in the FCS quarterfinals. A former quarterback and offensive coordinator, Plough energized the UC Davis offense, averaging nearly 35 points per game in 2024.
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Jerry Neuheisel (interim OC, UCLA): The 33-year-old former UCLA quarterback has turned the Bruins' offense around in the last two games, scoring 40 points per game and securing upset wins over Penn State and Michigan State. Taking a chance on Neuheisel could be risky for the Beavers, but his impact on UCLA's turnaround is undeniable.
Eric Morris (HC, North Texas): Morris and the Mean Green were one of college football's most intriguing stories before a recent loss to South Florida. With a favorable remaining schedule, Morris could still have a special season with the team. His steady ascent at Incarnate Word and his experience as a wideout under Mike Leach at Texas Tech make him a potential fit for OSU.
Jonathan Smith (HC, Michigan State): This appointment would be divisive. Many Beavers fans are wary of Smith due to his departure from OSU in 2023. However, with Michigan State facing potential challenges, Smith might soon need a new job. A reunion with OSU could be possible if Michigan State fires him and OSU's athletic director, Scott Barnes, is willing to mend fences with him.
Other Candidates to Consider:
Robb Akey (interim HC, Oregon State): Akey has the opportunity to earn the respect of OSU's roster in the final five games. However, he hasn't been a full-time head coach since 2012, when he was fired by Idaho with a 20-50 record. It's time for new blood.
Bronco Mendenhall (HC, Utah State): Mendenhall, a former OSU safety, started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Beavers in the mid-90s. He has been a head coach since 2005, but his success has been mixed since leaving Provo.
Sean Mannion (QB coach, Green Bay Packers): Mannion, the career leader in passing yards and touchdowns for the Beavers, is just starting his coaching career after nine seasons in the NFL. Taking on the struggling OSU program would be a significant challenge for the 33-year-old.
Matt Wells (OC, Kansas State): Wells' connection to Scott Barnes, OSU's athletic director, could be a factor. However, his tenure at Texas Tech was unsuccessful, and his connection to Barnes alone shouldn't elevate him above other candidates.
Paul Chryst (former HC, Wisconsin): Chryst's tenure at Wisconsin ended after a Rose Bowl appearance in 2019. However, his absence from coaching since 2022 might be a concern for OSU.
Ed Orgeron (former HC, LSU): Orgeron, a mercurial personality, left LSU with baggage. Off-field concerns and the cost of his contract could be significant factors for OSU.
Long Shot: James Franklin (former HC, Penn State): Franklin was fired by Penn State on Sunday, just hours after the Bray news broke. With a reported $56 million buyout from Penn State, bringing in a coach of his caliber is highly unlikely for OSU, which is still struggling to compete.
