CORVALLIS — Amid rising calls for staffing changes after Oregon State football’s shambolic, 0-5 start to the season, head coach Trent Bray came to the defense of his coordinators at Monday’s weekly press conference.
“Everything I look at is benefit of the player, and to do something right now, in the moment, in the week of trying to prepare, if it would benefit the players to do that and make them better then I would absolutely do it,” Bray said. “At this moment, that wouldn’t be the case.”
Fans and media have leveled intense criticism on Bray, special teams coordinator Jamie Christian and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson amid the Beavers’ losing streak. The most recent low point was a fourth quarter and overtime collapse against Houston on Friday night.
A cavalcade of errors on special teams was a major factor in three of OSU’s five losses this season: an early 12-man penalty that led to the first touchdown for California in the opener; six botched snaps in a long snapping debacle against Fresno State; and a pair of blocked field goals against Houston along with OSU starting kicker Caleb Ojeda injuring himself on a sideline tackle, which he only had to make because of poor kickoff coverage.
Amid all that, and a special teams grade from Pro Football Focus which ranks OSU 133rd out of 136 teams in the country, Bray is standing by Christian.
“I think the number one is, there’s a consistency that players need in coaching, especially when you’re in season,” Bray said. “It’s also, if you make that move, who’s that next guy that’s going (to do it)? Is he on staff? All those things are part of factors to that, but the ultimate thing is one, I believe that Coach Christian can do this job and finish the year, for sure. And I think it’s where we’re at and what we can do. It’s the best thing for those players at this time.”
Bray was also asked about the social media outrage directed at coaches, and the frustration among fans that no changes have been made for a team performing well below expectations.
He said the outside criticism isn’t a factor.
“Yeah, I mean, I understand from where we’re at,” Bray said. “We’re 0-5. So, I totally understand it from that point. You know, what people do and what their opinions are, they’re all valid and can have those opinions, but it’s just not… it doesn’t move me either way.”
Oregon State is 127th out of 134 teams in FBS in rushing yards this season (93.8 YPG) and 121st in scoring (17.4 points per game).
The Maalik Murphy-led passing attack ranks 113th in completion percentage (.576), 111th in passing efficiency, and Murphy has five interceptions.
Ahead of the Appalachian State game, Murphy appears to be questionable with a hand injury. Bray said he hasn’t practiced yet this week with the Beavers hoping to have him back by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Whoever starts under center against the Mountaineers, Bray said he believes OSU’s offensive struggles are rooted in execution, rather than scheme. He added there won’t be changes to who is in charge of offensive play calling going forward, and that Gunderson remains in his job.
“You watch the offense play, they moved the ball,” Bray said. “When we were able to get points on the board, and we were in control, we were running the ball. They run game improved greatly. And there were plays that weren’t made that need to be made. So, when I watch it, it’s not a scheme or play not being called or issues like that. So, that’s kind of what you’ll look at. Is it a systematic thing, or is it we didn’t make the play that we should have?”
Bray seemed to contradict himself later in the press conference when asked about how quickly players move on from a loss versus how coaches react.
“I know for me, and I hope every coach, and I believe every coach, we consider their failures our failures,” Bray said. “So, that’s kind of how you look at it. Why are we not being successful? We don’t look at the players, we look at ourselves, and how do we get better? So, I think that makes us wear it a little bit longer, probably, than a player.”
Oregon State (0-5) at Appalachian State (2-2)
When: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium — Boone, North Carolina
TV: ESPN+ (Not available on traditional broadcast TV, only streaming on ESPN’s live sports streaming platform. Here’s a look at how you can watch ESPN+ live on your TV.)
Stream: You can watch a live stream of this game for less than $12 on ESPN+ (It’s just $11.99/month or $119.99/full year subscription, and you can cancel anytime.)