Oregon State’s first 0-6 start since 1991 could lead to immediate changes, athletic director Scott Barnes said on Sunday.
In fact, special team coordinator Jamie Christian was fired on Sunday, the same day Barnes said he and coach Trent Bray are “reviewing every aspect of the program and committed to making immediate changes.”
Oregon State is 5-13 since Bray was promoted to head coach after Jonathan Smith’s departure to Michigan State in 2023.
In the letter addressed to Beaver Nation, Barnes said, “I understand and share your disappointment with how our football season has started. My expectations for our program are high, and right now, we are not meeting them.”
Barnes told fans that their feedback is important and “it aligns with our own concerns and frustration.”
The letter comes one day after the Beavers fell behind 17-0 in the first quarter en route to losing 27-23 at Appalachian State. Special teams were a big problem for the second straight week as Oregon State lost a fumble on a kickoff return.
The previous contest, Oregon State had two field goals blocked and blew a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead while falling 27-24 to visiting Houston in overtime.
This is the worst slide since the Beavers dropped their first 10 games in 1991.
However, Barnes doesn’t want to see the current skid approach the one of 34 years ago.
“With half of the regular season still ahead, there remains an opportunity to continue improving in every area,” Barnes said.
In Smith’s final season, Oregon State went 8-5 and was ranked in the Top 25 each week of the season. Smith departed before the Beavers were walloped 40-8 by Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl. Kefense Hynson served as interim coach for the bowl game.
Oregon State visits Wake Forest (3-2) on Saturday.
