Wayne Tinkle's tenure as the head coach of the Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team is coming to an end after a 12-year run. In the world of college sports, that's quite a stretch, often placing a coach in the realm of legends.
However, despite his long-standing presence, Tinkle's journey with the Beavers hasn't gained much momentum in terms of success. Under his leadership, the team has made just two NCAA Tournament appearances and currently holds a 16-14 record with one game left in the season.
With the Beavers now part of the West Coast Conference following the collapse of the Pac-12, the decision has been made to seek new leadership. Reports indicate that Tinkle will not be returning next season.
Athletic Director Barnes expressed gratitude for Tinkle's commitment and leadership, acknowledging his integrity and dedication to Beaver Nation. "As we approach the dawn of the new Pac-12 era, we believe it is in the best interest of our men's basketball program to transition to its next chapter," Barnes stated, emphasizing the need for a fresh direction in a rapidly changing collegiate athletics landscape.
The Beavers, currently in the WCC, are set to rejoin a revamped Pac-12 next season. This new Pac-12 will feature teams like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington State, alongside Oregon State.
Tinkle, now 60, has a record of 176-204 over his 12 seasons with the Beavers. While he's been asked to complete the current season, he has yet to make a decision on whether he will do so. As Oregon State looks to the future, the focus is on finding the right fit to guide the program into its next era.