The dark cloud continued over the program in Corvallis after getting stomped by rival Oregon on Saturday. What many thought would be a year to build on after a solid close to the 2016 season, the Beavers have taken a giant step back. Opening the year with a blowout and struggle to beat FCS Portland State was the proverbial writing on the wall for what was to come. Next was the departure of head coach Gary Andersen following their 38-10 drubbing at the hands of USC. As bizarre as it may sound, at that point it was their most narrow margin of defeat at the time. However, help is on the way! (or at least we hope.)
So, who do the Beavers go after? A hot shot OC to bring fireworks to the rainy weather? Defensive hard-nosed coached to instill physicality? My thought is they need a program leader. One that can establish a true culture and identity.
With that being said, we introduce Jonathan Smith.
Smith was previously the co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at the University of Washington. He checks many of the boxes alumni would want, starting with being a Beaver from 1998-2001. He was originally a walk-on, which should bring somewhat of a lunch pail mentality to a team lacking toughness. Remember the last time Oregon State finished ranked in the top 10? Me neither. However, Smith was a part of the #4 ranked Beavers team that won a Fiesta Bowl and Championed an 11-1 record as the game’s MVP. The 2006 season, which saw them go 10-4, has been the best since. He’s had stops at Idaho, Montana and Boise State prior to Washington—all as an OC and QB coach.
One of the top things you can expect from a team coached by Smith will be a solid run game. Jay Ajayi was his featured back at Boise State and his current UW offense ranks in the top 40 in the nation. Don’t smile too hard, Ryan Nall. In the three years at UW, Smith’s offenses have averaged 28, 29, 41 and 34 points per game—a slight upgrade from the 19.4 by this year’s team.
The next step is hiring a staff. It’ll be interesting to see who he hires to run his defense, but with him having such strong ties to the offense, I’d expect a complete coordinator. One who may have some previous head coaching experience.
