Oregon State Fires Football Coach Trent Bray After Winless Start
Oregon State University has parted ways with head football coach Trent Bray following a dismal 0-7 start to the 2024 season, the school announced Sunday. This marks the Beavers’ worst start since 1991, when they began the year with an 0-10 record.
The decision, described as “difficult” by athletic director Scott Barnes, comes as the program navigates a period of significant change and financial challenges within the evolving landscape of college athletics. “This was a difficult decision, but the results on the field were not acceptable and after evaluating every aspect of the football program, I believe it is in the best interests of OSU football student-athletes, our fans and our university,” Barnes stated.
Bray, an Oregon State alum, assumed the head coaching role after Jonathan Smith departed for Michigan State following the 2023 season. His tenure ultimately resulted in a 5-14 overall record. The Beavers had experienced a period of success under Smith, reaching three consecutive bowl games and climbing as high as No. 10 in the national rankings in 2023, a foundation Bray was tasked with building upon.
Robb Akey, currently in his first year as special assistant to the head coach, has been appointed interim coach for the remainder of the season. Akey previously served as the defensive coordinator at Central Michigan from 2019 to 2024, bringing a wealth of defensive experience to the role.
The financial implications of Bray’s dismissal are substantial. He is expected to receive a buyout exceeding $4 million, stemming from the remaining years on his five-year contract. However, the university confirmed that these funds will be sourced from donor-generated contributions, mitigating the impact on the athletic department’s budget.
Recent on-field performances highlighted the struggles of the team, including close losses to Houston and Appalachian State. A particularly lopsided 39-14 defeat at the hands of Wake Forest on Saturday, even with the Demon Deacons utilizing a backup quarterback, proved to be a tipping point. Following the game, Bray expressed his frustration and accountability. “I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed. I look at myself, and I’ve got to fix it,” he said. “It’s unacceptable to me where we’re at.”
The firing of special teams coordinator Jamie Christian following the loss to Appalachian State signaled growing concerns within the program. This latest move underscores the urgency to address the team’s shortcomings.
Oregon State’s situation is further complicated by ongoing financial uncertainty as it prepares to participate in the restructured Pac-12 conference in 2026. The university is adjusting to significantly reduced television revenue, adding pressure to maintain competitive success.
Bray’s playing career at Oregon State also holds significance, having earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2005. Despite his deep connection to the university, the program’s recent performance ultimately led to this difficult decision.
