NDSU’s Tim Polasek Emerges as Frontrunner for Oregon State Head Coaching Position
Oregon State University is reportedly targeting North Dakota State head football coach Tim polasek as its next head coach, according to Oregon-based journalist John Canzano. In a column published Sunday, Canzano asserted Polasek is the “odds-on favorite†to secure the position, a advancement that coudl also place him in contention for the open head coaching role at Colorado State University.
The potential interest in Polasek stems from the evolving landscape of the Pac-12 Conference, with both Oregon State and Colorado State set to participate in the reconstituted league next year. The conference has recently seen a trend of hiring coaches from programs like South Dakota state and NDSU, suggesting a willingness to consider candidates from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). canzano currently gives Polasek 4-to-1 odds of landing the job, followed by connecticut coach jim Mora Jr. at 5-to-1, Alabama assistant JaMarcus Shephard and Montana State head coach Brent Vigen at 6-to-1, Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein at 12-to-1, and former Wisconsin and Pitt coach Paul Chryst at 25-to-1.
Canzano indicated the race is primarily between Polasek, Mora, Shephard, and Vigen, and suspects Polasek is among the finalists who will interview this week. A key factor in Oregon State’s potential interest, according to Canzano, is Polasek’s ability to potentially bring players with him, a strategy reminiscent of the approach taken by Washington State with Jimmy Rogers. The Beavers,currently with a 2-9 record,could benefit from a swift influx of talent.
Polasek addressed the speculation following NDSU’s 62-7 victory over St. Thomas on Saturday, November 22, 2025, securing a 12-0 regular season record. “My agent is in contact with a lot of people right now. As we keep winning, certain opportunities could pop up,†Polasek stated, adding he remains focused on the Bison and an upcoming meeting with NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen.
The timing aligns with Oregon State’s anticipated timeline for a hire, with interviews expected Monday or Tuesday and an proclamation potentially near the Beavers’ season finale on November 29 against Washington State. NDSU’s favorable playoff seeding — earning the top spot in the 24-team FCS playoff field — provides Polasek with a window for travel, as the Bison have a first-round bye and won’t play until December 6.
The financial implications of a move are critically important. While Polasek currently earns $500,000 annually at NDSU, the Oregon State position previously carried a $2 million per year salary for Trent Bray, who was recently fired and received a $4 million buyout.
oregon State’s financial situation is complex. Despite a recent 9% budget cut to $91.6 million,the university aims to operate with a “Power Four†budget,a goal many consider unrealistic given the changing dynamics of the Pac-12. Polasek would be prudent to inquire about the long-term financial outlook for the football program during any interview process. The stability of Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes, who has faced criticism for recent hiring decisions and an NIL deal misstep, is another factor for Polasek to consider.
Historically,NDSU coaches have typically moved to new positions during or promptly after prosperous playoff runs,a pattern that could repeat itself if Oregon State aggressively pursues Polasek. If the opportunity is deemed attractive enough, the question becomes whether Polasek would prefer to leave NDSU now or wait for a potentially even more lucrative offer after another successful season.
Mike McFeely is a columnist for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. He began working for The Forum in the 1980s while he was a student studying journalism at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He’s been with The Forum full time as 1990, minus a six-year hiatus when he hosted a local radio talk-show.
