Episode 192

Trent Bray Fired, Jonathan Smith’s Shadow, Gruden Rumors, And OSU Leadership Meltdown

Trent Bray is fired, and Oregon State Athletics somehow found a way to make things worse. We unpack how the Beavs went from hopeful to hopeless, why the Bray firing doesn’t fix a broken culture, what players are saying behind the scenes, and why fans are fed up with the Scott Barnes regime. From Jonathan Smith comeback whispers to Gruden and Orgeron rumors, this episode dives into the leadership vacuum at OSU, the NIL fallout, and the identity crisis tearing Beaver Nation apart.

• Episode Summary

  In this episode, the hosts delve into the recent firing of Trent Bray from Oregon State Athletics, exploring the implications of this decision amidst the team's struggles. They discuss the emotional factors at play, the players' reactions, and the accountability of the athletic department. The conversation shifts to the potential return of Jonathan Smith, sparking a debate about his past and future with the program. Additionally, they consider other coaching candidates, including John Gruden, and the challenges of maintaining stability within the athletic department. The episode captures the passionate sentiments of Beaver Nation as they navigate these turbulent times. The conversation delves into the complexities of coaching dynamics at Oregon State, exploring the potential for hiring retread coaches like Ed Orgeron, the implications of shadiness in coaching decisions, and the critical role of the athletic director in the hiring process. The discussion also highlights the current leadership crisis within the athletic department and the importance of a general manager in navigating these challenges. The hosts express their frustrations and hopes for the future of Oregon State football, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and strategic hiring to restore the program's success.

• Key Takeaways

  • Firing Trent Bray was a decision influenced by the team's poor performance.

  • The emotional factors surrounding Bray's firing complicate the decision.

  • Players expressed disappointment over Bray's firing, indicating a strong relationship with him.

  • The athletic department's accountability is questioned amidst coaching changes.

  • Jonathan Smith's potential return raises mixed feelings among fans.

  • The need for a competent athletic department is emphasized for future success.

  • Gruden's name surfaces as a potential candidate, sparking debate.

  • The discussion highlights the challenges of retaining successful coaches at Oregon State.

  • The impact of external factors on coaching decisions is acknowledged.

  • The conversation reflects the passionate opinions of Beaver Nation. Retread coaches have historically been successful at Oregon State.

  • Ed Orgeron is seen as a viable candidate due to his recruiting skills.

  • There's a willingness to overlook certain issues in coaching candidates.

  • The athletic director's role is crucial in the hiring process.

  • The current leadership in the athletic department is under scrutiny.

  • The importance of a general manager is highlighted in college athletics.

  • The conversation reflects a deep frustration with the current state of the program.

  • The hosts express hope for a turnaround in the football program.

  • There is a recognition of the need for strategic hiring to restore success.

  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.

• Soundbites

  “Will you light it on fire as hard as the Oregon State Athletic Department has lit itself on fire?”

  “He fired the wrong guy that has a name that rhymes with Trent. He probably just got it wrong.”

  “It could be worse. He could be Oregon State athletics.”

  “Knock, knock.” — “Who’s there?” — “Owen.” — “Owen who?” — “0 and 7.”

  “When your college football team goes 0–7, the head coach gets fired. That’s just part of the reality.”

  “It’s almost calling the kettle black with the athletic department making him the scapegoat.”

  “Ultimately, there’s one person that should be held accountable for everything, and all he’s done publicly at this point is deflect accountability.”

  “That open letter was a checklist of the things we hate — the gloves are off, the Beaver way, the right way — all of it was word salad to then do nothing.”

  “I hate admitting it, but yes — if Jonathan Smith came back, I’d take that over anything.”

  “Even if Gruden’s a bad hire, they might not know that. Do you know the last year Gruden coached in college football?”

  “I want the retread. Every successful era at Oregon State has come from a retread.”

  “Congrats, man. You let a school fall so far that it fell through the ground and landed at the top of hell.”