The Oregon State football program is reeling after a disastrous start to the season, culminating in a move that's sent shockwaves through Corvallis: Head Coach Trent Bray has been fired. This isn't just a coaching change; it's a signal of deep-seated problems and a desperate attempt to salvage what's left of the season. But was it the right move? And what does it mean for the future of the Beavers? Let's dive into the details.
According to multiple reports surfacing Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, Oregon State University made the difficult decision to relieve Trent Bray of his duties as head football coach. The news comes after a series of disappointing performances, leaving the Beavers winless with a 0-7 record. The final straw appears to have been a particularly lopsided defeat at the hands of Wake Forest. The issues weren’t just the losses themselves, but how they were losing – a combination of unforced errors and a perceived lack of intensity on the field.
Bray, who took the reins in November 2023 after Jonathan Smith's departure for Michigan State, struggled to turn the program around. His overall record as head coach stands at a disheartening 5-14, a far cry from the winning tradition Oregon State hopes to build. It's worth noting that Bray's connection to the program runs deep; he previously served as the team's defensive coordinator, and before that, was a star linebacker for the Beavers from 2002 to 2005. He even began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Arizona State under Dennis Erickson before returning to Corvallis. This makes the firing even more difficult, as it involves someone deeply invested in the university and its football legacy.
Financially, the decision to fire Bray comes at a cost. His contract stipulates that he is owed slightly over $4 million in severance pay. This is a significant sum, especially for a program facing other challenges. But here's where it gets controversial... some fans argue that the cost of not making a change would have been even higher, potentially impacting recruiting, fan support, and the overall morale of the team. What do you think? Was the financial hit worth it to try and turn things around?
One of the criticisms leveled against Bray was his reluctance to make changes, even as the team struggled. A prime example of this was the delayed firing of special teams coordinator Jamie Christian. Despite the Beavers' special teams unit ranking as one of the worst in the entire Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Christian wasn't dismissed until just a week before Bray himself was let go. “Now is the right time to make a change in our football program,” Bray said at the time, referring to Christian's firing. Athletic Director Scott Barnes echoed this sentiment, stating that his expectations were not being met and that he was working with Bray to review all aspects of the program. And this is the part most people miss... It highlights the immense pressure on coaches to make tough decisions, even when those decisions involve people they know and respect.
Bray's coaching journey included stops at Nebraska under Mike Riley, before returning to Oregon State to coach linebackers under Jonathan Smith in 2018. He was promoted to interim defensive coordinator during the 2021 season and then took on the full-time role in 2022 and 2023.
Looking ahead, the Oregon State football program faces an uncertain future. With the Pac-12 undergoing a major transformation in 2026, the Beavers will need to find a new leader to navigate the challenges ahead. The search for a new head coach will undoubtedly be extensive and crucial for the program's long-term success. To add another layer of complexity, OSU players will have a 30-day window, starting Monday, to enter the transfer portal following Bray's dismissal. This could lead to significant roster changes and further instability within the program.
Oregon State's next game is against Lafayette (5-2, FCS) on Saturday, October 18, at 7 p.m. PT at Reser Stadium. The game will be broadcast on The CW (Channel 32 in Portland). It will be interesting to see how the team responds in their first game after the coaching change. Will they come out with renewed energy and focus, or will the turmoil surrounding the program continue to impact their performance?
Related Content:
* 5 takeaways from Oregon State football’s demoralizing loss to Wake Forest (https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2025/10/5-takeaways-from-oregon-state-footballs-demoralizing-loss-to-wake-forest.html)
* Players have quit and Oregon State is still winless. Drastic change is in order: Analysis (https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2025/10/players-have-quit-and-oregon-state-is-still-winless-drastic-change-is-in-order.html)
* Trent Bray addresses job security after Oregon State’s blowout loss to Wake Forest (https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2025/10/trent-bray-addresses-job-security-after-oregon-states-blowout-loss-to-wake-forest.html)
The firing of Trent Bray raises many questions. Was he given enough time to turn the program around? Was the talent on the team simply not good enough? Or were deeper systemic issues at play? What qualities should Oregon State prioritize in their next head coach? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
