Oregon State promotes DC Trent Bray to head coach

Oregon State defensive coordinator Trent Bray is getting a promotion to become the program's next head coach, the school announced Tuesday.

He'll replace Jonathan Smith, who took the Michigan State job on Saturday.

"After interviewing several qualified candidates, we realized our top choice, Trent, has already been a mainstay at the Valley Football Center and Reser Stadium," athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. "He's been a part of Beaver Nation for a long time, and (his) love for this place is real."

Bray was hired in 2018 as the linebackers coach after spending three years with Nebraska. He was the Cornhuskers' interim head coach for two games after the school fired Mike Riley. Bray was also with the Beavers from 2012-14, serving multiple roles on the defensive coaching staff.

Oregon State's defense has been one of the better units in the nation over the last two seasons. Last campaign, the Beavers allowed 19.3 points per game, the best mark in the Pac-12. He received a nomination for the 2022 Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach.

That success has carried over into this season, as Oregon State ranks second in the Pac-12 in sacks (36) and third in interceptions (12).

The No. 21-ranked Beavers fell to 8-4 on the season after losing to Oregon on Friday but are set to play in their third consecutive bowl game next month.