Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith parts ways with defensive coordinator

The Oregon State Beavers have parted ways with defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar, according to a statement from head coach Jonathan Smith. Linebacker coach Trent Bray will be promoted to interim defensive coordinator while defensive analyst Kendrick Van Ackeren will serve as the linebacker coach.

Smith released a statement on the coaching staff turnover Sunday night, via Pac-12 Network’s Ashley Adamson.

“I felt it was the right time to make a change in our football program and have relieved coach Tim Tibesar of his duties at Oregon State,” wrote Smith. “All of us thank coach Tibesar for his hard work and professionalism the past four years and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Under defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar, Oregon State’s defense ranks No. 85 out of 130 in the country, giving up 405.7 yards per game and 30 touchdowns. They also give up 5.77 yards per play over the first nine games of the season.

Tibesar was an original member of Smith’s Oregon State staff. The Beavers are 14-26 over the past four seasons with no more than five wins in any season. The 2021 team is 5-4 – after starting 5-2 – with a chance to qualify for its first bowl since 2013. They have Stanford, Arizona State and Oregon left on the schedule.

More Pac-12 coaching changes

Oregon State was not the only team in the Pac-12 to make a coaching change on Sunday. Shortly before Jonathan Smith’s announcement, reports surfaced on another in the North division. Washington head coach Jimmy Lake fired second-year offensive coordinator and quarterback coach John Donovan, according to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy. After firing the assistant coach, Washington promoted wide receiver coach Junior Adams to play-calling duties for the 2021 season. Offensive quality control analyst Payton McCollum also received a promotion to quarterback coach.

Washington’s offense ranked No. 112 out of 130 FBS teams in 2021. The Huskies average just 332.1 yards per game and have 23 offensive touchdowns. The quarterback situation has also become a point of controversy with inconsistent play throughout the year.

After an encouraging 3-0 start in 2020, the Huskies finished the season with a home loss against Stanford. With high expectations in year two, Washington tanked with a 4-5 record through 10 weeks.

In addition to the offensive concerns, organization problems rose over recent weeks. The week started with controversial media comments, and a sideline incident brought negative attention to the program.