As the regular season winds down, Oregon State is making headlines with a significant change in their basketball program. After 12 seasons leading the Beavers, Wayne Tinkle will be stepping down as head coach. Athletic Director Scott Barnes has confirmed that Tinkle will conclude the season before a national search for his successor begins.
Tinkle, a former center at Montana in the late '80s, carved out a notable playing career overseas before returning stateside to kick off his coaching journey. Starting as an assistant at his alma mater in 2001, Tinkle eventually took the reins as Montana's head coach. During his eight-year tenure, he guided the Grizzlies to three NCAA Tournament appearances and secured two Big Sky regular season titles.
In 2014, Tinkle took over at Oregon State, sparking a 12-year run marked by highs and lows. His second season saw him break a nearly 30-year NCAA Tournament drought, and in 2021, he led the Beavers on a surprising run to the Elite Eight. However, the team struggled in subsequent seasons, finishing below .500 for three straight years, and their two-year stint in the WCC hasn't been fruitful.
As the Beavers prepare to rejoin the new Pac-12 next season, they'll be looking for a fresh face to build the roster and steer the team forward. Despite not having the deepest pockets for NIL deals or a storied basketball legacy, Oregon State is poised to attract some intriguing coaching candidates. Let's dive into a few potential names that could be on the Beavers' radar.
R-Jay Barsh
Though Barsh hasn't yet helmed a D1 program, his impressive track record as an assistant at Boise State, Florida State, and Gonzaga makes him a compelling candidate. Known for his recruiting prowess, Barsh could inject new talent into the Oregon State program.
Jerrod Calhoun
Calhoun's star is on the rise, thanks to his success with Utah State.
Having cut his teeth under Bob Huggins at West Virginia, Calhoun has excelled at both Fairmont State and Youngstown State. His recent achievements with Utah State could make him a hot commodity, though it's uncertain if Oregon State is the right fit for him.
Jase Coburn
With deep roots in Oregon, Coburn has spent over a decade at Portland State, ascending to head coach in 2021. His experience in the state and his success with the Vikings position him well for a potential leap to a bigger stage.
Travis DeCuire
A Seattle native, DeCuire succeeded Tinkle at Montana and has led the Grizzlies to multiple NCAA Tournaments. With his strong regional ties and Pac-12 experience, he could be a solid choice, despite the unusual circumstance of following Tinkle once more.
Kahil Fennell
Fennell, seen as an emerging talent in coaching circles, has experience in Oregon as an assistant at Portland. His recent head coaching stint at UTRGV has been promising, and his background with power conference teams could serve him well at Oregon State.
Andy Newman
Known for turning around programs, Newman has yet to coach at the power conference level but has found success at D2 schools. His recent work with Cal State Northridge has been impressive, and he could bring a fresh perspective to the Beavers.
Joe Pasternack
With a background that includes a stint as a student manager for Bob Knight, Pasternack has spent time at California and Arizona. His success with UC Santa Barbara, including NCAA Tournament appearances, suggests he could be a shrewd hire for Oregon State.
Chris Victor
Victor's young coaching career has been marked by success.
After leading Seattle to a WAC title and a CBI championship, he's shown he can win. His recent victory over Oregon State adds to his appeal, even if his major experience is limited.
As Oregon State embarks on this new chapter, the search for a head coach will be crucial in shaping the future of the program. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths that could help the Beavers rise in the competitive landscape of college basketball.