Oregon State’s next hire must balance loyalty, innovation, and survival.
Bronco Mendenhall and other coaching candidates to replace Trent Bray at Oregon State originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After Trent Bray’s dismissal following an 0–7 start, the Beavers are again searching for direction, and for someone capable of steering them through a turbulent new college football landscape.
Here are a dozen names that make sense, intrigue, or simply can’t be ignored as Oregon State begins its next chapter.
Bronco Mendenhall
The current Utah State coach and former BYU, Virginia, and New Mexico leader is an Oregon State alum. He built his career on discipline and development. Mendenhall knows the Pacific Northwest and could restore the program’s identity with his methodical, culture-driven approach.
Nick Rolovich
The ex-Washington State and Hawaii head coach is an offensive innovator with a magnetic personality. His controversial exit over the vaccine mandate may possibly complicate his candidacy, but his regional ties and creativity make him an intriguing option. He’s currently at Cal in a senior offensive assistant role.
Sean Mannion
The record-setting Oregon State quarterback turned Green Bay Packers assistant was a popular figure with fans during his four-year run as the Beavers’ starting quarterback. He’s the all-time leader for passing yards and touchdowns in school history, and while he lacks head-coaching experience, his deep roots in Corvallis make him an intriguing name to watch.
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Blake Anderson
Anderson has won wherever he’s been, from Arkansas State to Utah State, earning a reputation for toughness and offensive adaptability. His current legal fight with Utah State muddies the waters, but his track record of rebuilding programs is undeniable.
Ryan Grubb
Currently the offensive coordinator at Alabama after lighting up scoreboards at Washington, Grubb is among the sport’s hottest assistants. His modern passing schemes and sharp recruiting instincts would immediately raise Oregon State’s offensive ceiling.
Paul Chryst
The former Wisconsin coach offers stability and experience, bringing 67 career wins and a no-nonsense style that produces disciplined teams. While his conservative offenses might not excite the fan base, he represents a steady, veteran hand.
Matt Wells
A former head coach at Utah State and Texas Tech, Wells is a proven program builder with Mountain West roots. His calm demeanor and emphasis on player development would fit Oregon State’s values, though his Big 12 stint ended unevenly.
Ed Orgeron
The national-title-winning coach from LSU would bring instant star power and recruiting clout to Corvallis. His energy and charisma could electrify the fan base — though fitting his big personality into Oregon State’s quiet culture would be a challenge.
Andy Avalos
A former Oregon defensive coordinator and Boise State head coach, Avalos knows the region and has built elite defenses. His familiarity with Oregon recruiting circles makes him a logical candidate, even if his Boise offenses never fully clicked. He’s currently defensive coordinator at TCU.
Brent Vigen
Vigen has transformed Montana State into an FCS powerhouse with physicality and attention to detail. He represents the developmental model Oregon State once thrived on, but making the leap to Power Four football would require patience.
Jonathan Smith
The man who rebuilt Oregon State once could someday be tempted home if things sour at Michigan State. His blueprint for success in Corvallis still lingers, and a reunion would be both poetic and polarizing.
Robb Akey
The interim head coach has the trust of the locker room and the respect of the staff. If Oregon State finishes strong, Akey’s no-nonsense leadership could earn him a longer look, though he’s more likely a bridge than the long-term answer.
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