The Unlikely Savior: Jonathan Smith's Legacy at Oregon State
In the world of college football, where coaches are under constant pressure to deliver results, Jonathan Smith's departure from Oregon State may have been a blessing in disguise. Let's dive into this intriguing narrative.
I had the opportunity to speak with Smith at the Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis back in 2023. At the time, he was yet to lose a game at Michigan State. Standing by the ramp leading to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, I inquired about his expectations for success in his new role, considering the institutional challenges he faced. With a serious expression, he replied, "It's gonna take a while."
And indeed, time was not on Smith's side. College football coaches are expected to deliver immediate results, especially with the significant investments made in rosters each season. So, when Smith's record stood at 9-15 after two seasons, with just four wins in the Big Ten, his unceremonious firing on Sunday came as no surprise.
Initially, one might feel inclined to write about regret or even take pleasure in Smith's downfall. After all, he left Oregon State, where he had enjoyed considerable success, to join a team that was drowning. But here's where it gets controversial: I believe Smith did Oregon State a massive favor by leaving when he did.
I understand the skepticism. The two years that followed Smith's departure were indeed miserable. Trent Bray, his successor, was ill-equipped for the head coaching role, and the 2-10 season that ended in Pullman was arguably the worst in the program's history, relative to expectations.
However, there's a glimmer of hope in Corvallis now. On Tuesday, the Beavers will introduce JaMarcus Shephard as their new head coach. Fans and alumni, eager for a fresh start, are celebrating this move. Shephard, an assistant at Alabama, brings a unique perspective and a true understanding of the modern college football landscape.
The question arises: Would the Beavers be in this promising position if Smith had stayed? I doubt it. Smith was the ideal coach for an underdog program with limited resources. Shephard, with his experience alongside Kalen DeBoer at Alabama and Washington, feels like a better fit for the Beavers to ascend to the top of the new Pac-12.
While it's speculative, the results at Michigan State suggest Smith might have struggled to adapt to the new world order. The Beavers, without a conference and the resources to compete, would have faced an inevitable decline.
Smith's departure forced the Beavers to confront their reality sooner rather than later. Athletic Director Scott Barnes, despite his initial efforts to retain Smith, was ultimately pushed to make tough decisions. The hiring of Bray and his subsequent flameout led to a comprehensive coaching search, culminating in the appointment of Shephard.
In hindsight, Smith's decision to leave may have been the catalyst for the Beavers' rebirth. It's a controversial take, but one that invites discussion. What do you think? Could Smith's departure have been the best thing to happen to Oregon State? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
