Oregon State, head coach Gary Andersen mutually part ways

Gary Andersen's tenure as head coach at Oregon State has come to an end.

Beavers athletic director Scott Barnes announced Monday that the two sides have agreed to mutually part ways after two and a half seasons, effective immediately. Barnes confirmed that assistant coach Cory Hall will be appointed to lead the program as a national search for a permanent head coach for 2018 takes place.

"I thank Gary for his many contributions to our student-athletes, OSU Athletics, and Oregon State University," Barnes said in a statement. "OSU football has advanced significantly in many ways during Gary's tenure here, including in our facilities and student-athlete academic performance. This program is poised for success on and off the field."

Andersen released a statement of his own coupled with the announcement, insinuating that the program will be better off without him as a part of it.

"After many discussions with Scott, waiving my contract is the correct decision and enables the young men and the program to move forward and concentrate on the rest of this season," Andersen said. "Coaching is not about the mighty dollar. It is about teaching and putting young men in a position to succeed on and off the field. Success comes when all parties involved are moving in the same direction."

Andersen agreed to waive all payment requirements associated with his departure as part of the decision, something Barnes acknowledged specifically as "unprecedented."

"Coach Andersen's decision to waive his remaining compensation is unprecedented in major college athletics," Barnes said. "His decision is made for the right reasons and values, and it speaks volumes about the kind of honorable person that Gary Andersen is."

Andersen was 7-23 in two and a half seasons with the Beavers. His lifetime coaching record, combined over stints with Southern Utah, Utah State, Wisconsin, and Oregon State sits at 56-61.