There may not be a team in the FBS where loyalty means more than at OSU and the Beavers. Barnes hired Jonathan Smith with that in mind. The loyalty was not repaid. But the alums, including me, care passionately about loyalty and keeping ex-Beaver players in the fold whenever possible. If OSU brings on Heyward, I am all in for that, just like I was for Smith and then Bray. I know it is prosaic, but no one can appreciate Corvallis more than those that live there and / or are born and raised there (me), homies. Welcome, Coach Heyward!
Well said Brian! Corvallis is a special place for many people. However, it is not for everyone. It either get's to you or it doesn't!! I love this place and moved back after over 35 years in Newport Beach, CA.
Loyalty is a two-way street. Don't give me that pap and pablum about all that "loyalty" at Oregon State. Jonathan Smith reciprocated zero loyalty, Brian. Zero. None.
Did I say he did? No, JS is as scummy as the Oregon Ducks people. Just like Cristobal or Taggart. No different. He was a bad hire as far as I am concerned since it turned out to be all about himself. I also do not forgive Riley for twice spurning the Beavers for money, but not for more success, as he failed both in the NFL and at Nebraska. If these people care about success and their own personal legacy, then stick around Corvallis and show people you really care, including their student-players.
Do you realize how hypocritical and contradictory you sound, Brian? You just made my point with your Swiss cheese logic. You call out Riley and Johnny Smith for "scummy" disloyalty, while also calling out Taggart and Cristobal. Kinda throws a huge monkey-wrench in your earlier post where you extol Oregon State as a campus of "loyalty" (whatever the hell that is) What a pile of b.s and you made the point for me.
Oregon State doesn't have one iota more "loyalty" in Corvallis than Oregon does in Eugene. You posted a pile of bullshit and then took the time to destroy your entire pompous statement with the post above.
"Decency and integrity" is based upon using an actual name? Really? On a sports board where no one knows anyone and will never meet any of those on this forum...LMAO! That's as immature a definition of "decency and integrity" as I've ever heard.
Welcome home, Keith Heyward. Now please take your old Oregon, Washington and USC gear to Goodwill. It's right on the corner of 9th Street and Starker Avenue in Corvallis. There's ample space for it there, right next to a row of Beavers gear for sale that's perfect for an OSU coach.
On a different note, I am finding the bowl games more entertaining than I expected. Yes, a few are boring, but what fun to see teams upset by lower ranked teams. And the joy of the players just playing the game for the love of it. USC looked better last night than all year. The players seem to be having fun. Feels like college football used to be. It has been a pleasant surprise.
I noticed that about USC, watching their bowl game. THAT Trojan team looked MUCH better than the one that played this season. Maybe superstars get in the way of actually winning. The hungry underdogs/backups played really well, and like Anne said, they looked like they were having fun! And I say that as someone who doesn't like USC much.
John, I think this is the most positive email I've read since Smith left for MSU. What I took from reading it was this:
- Coach Bray is already gathering some awesome talent via the portal, 4-star players, etc.
- This may be Bray's first head coaching job but he already possesses the intelligence needed to succeed.
- I love the amount of networking being performed between coaches/coaches, coaches/players, players/players, as you stated in the email. I'm a huge proponent of networking. It's helped me in my career so the fact that Coach Bray is benefiting from it is encouraging!
Congratulations on Keith Hayward finally being recognized for his knowledge of defenses but, even more importantly, his knowledge of people and how to help them realize their full potential on the football field and in life! I can't wait to listen to your first interview with him during 2024.
The coaching staff seems to be coming together nicely, good to see Bray's approach to being HC playing out in his choices. I think Jaydon Grant would make an excellent coach some day; hope Bray keeps an eye on him. Go Beavs!
Anyone who has played for OSU can appreciate the finer points of the mid-valley and qualities of Corvallis. We need locals to build quality teams that care about where they are from as much or more as what they can put in their pocket.
Yep. They’ll hopefully bring in players who care about the community and will be a strong positive influence on the team, town and state. I’m optimistic.
Can we bring him back for the 2024 season right now??? That young man is a winner and I think he could be a world class recruiter!!! Let's go coach Bray go lock up Jaydon as our director of recruiting!!
I concur JC! However, let's get him recruiting for us right now. He needs to get in the mix and be back with the program. Can he recruit during the NFL offseason?
Positive news at last. Welcome after mostly the other, especially regarding college football (the saving grace being that we know John's are trustworthy and factual). To me, John, this report was a breath of fresh air and optimism. Thanks, Charlie. Go Beavs - and the Pac2!
Thank you Kent, you are very kind and your support most appreciated. Not always on topic, but try to share things I think might be of interest. Namaste, Charlie
Terrific Alamo Bowl for those that watched. Arizona grinded it out w/ 6 takeaways! Congratulations coach Fisch on an 10 win season. Players seem to have tightness and love for each other. Zona gonna make some serious noise in Big12 in ‘24 feels like how UW finished last year.
After watching the game I kinda liked to think that Oklahoma is glad to be getting out of the Big12 so they don't have to face UA (and Utah) on a regular basis. I think theyy'll have problems with the likes of Mississippi State and Missouri.
I think Oklahoma is about to do a ‘Nebraska’ upon its entry into SEC, like their neighbor 2 states north did when entering the B1G. Middlin’ of the pack is what I predict for Norman
Yeah' that's what I was thinking. Growing up in Ames and attending Iowa State, I hated Oklahoma and Nebraska for the terrible beatdowns they put down on the Cyclones. My parents were members of the 77-0 and the 66-0 clubs. Love Nebraska's current mediocracy.
As a longtime UW Husky fan I completely approve of Nebraska’s current meritocracy… they were challenging in early & late 90’s, especially, but have lost their shine. Iowa State I’ve always liked, plucky like OSU, especially the ringing of the Victory Bell.
Feels a little strange, but this Duck fan since the van Broklin days (1950s) pis saying, “Go Beavers!” I want to see them pull through this adversity and rise to the top, beating some Big 10 or SEC team in a bowl game and playoffs.
I am a Beaver and maybe one of the few who holds no animosity towards the Ducks. USC started the run the to the door to leave the conference after years of mismanagement by Larry and George or should I say Curly and Moe! The gutless little Bruins were right behind them and the rest of the house of cards began to fall.
I always called him “take a knee Riley”, teams behind and takes a knee consistently to wrap up the half. One of the worst clock managers and no concept of going for it on fourth down.
In the flip side, he is still in the game for a reason and does love the Beavers.
This is shaping up to be something special next year.
I was tired of him and his “golly gee” schtick, but I always got the sense that he wanted to stay in Corvallis but the writing was on the wall when the Nebraska job opened up. As if he knew he was saving the Beavs some exit money by taking the hoot if Cornhusker gig.
The main issue most of us had with Riley was his aggressiveness, or lack thereof. That showed up in lots of ways, much of it on defense. And it was in stark contrast to Coach Erickson's uber-aggressiveness, which he showed can work in Corvallis. It is why we were all so excited with Smith, who was a little of each of his mentors. It is why I am excited about Bray, who embodies Erickson's best traits and showed that when he turned around the Beavers D in his first game as DC and will as HC, too, I am sure.
All three coaches had success in Corvallis in different ways. Bray is the perfect choice right now. The fact that Riley is offering up his help is a good thing
Heyward has worn almost as many Pac12 jerseys as some guys in the transfer portal! I'm sure the whole family will be in orange and black very soon. Welcome home Heyward family.
How'd that work out for them? Not exactly onward or upward. Taggart was disappointing, but it turns out not much of a loss. Funny how things work out. Cristobal, I understand why he wanted to go home, but without the incredible resources UO has to offer, he's treading water at best.
They both took better jobs, their dream jobs, which didn't include Oregon. They're both set for life thanks to leveraging the ducks into huge pay days.
LMAO! Yeah, only Sunshine would see the advantages Taggart gained by leaving Oregon. He's been fired twice since then and his reputation as a head coach is a dumpster fire. Nice call, Sunshine.
Cristobal? The jury is still out, but he hasn't done at Miami what he did at Oregon in the same timeframe. Not close.
I just felt bad for Oregon when Willie Taggart was flying around Uncle Phil's jet leveraging him and the ducks for a bigger payday with FSU. It was embarrassing. Yes, WT isn't a great coach, proving it was a bad hire by Oregon.
If he does well, he'll certainly get offers. Look at how long it took UCLA's D-coordinator to jump to USC. This is not an insult to OSU. Some programs pay in excess of $1.5 million a year for defensive coordinators.
Almost all DCs and OCs are trying to prove their worth as an HC. And no one will ever blame someone from taking a promotion. It is the lateral moves that piss me off, unless there is writing on the wall and it is mutual
Nothing much to do with this column but I’ve been thinking about Chip Kelly, playoffs and bowl games.
The bowl games become the playoffs? 42 games in the first round, just like March madness. A week off between games comes down to the final four. Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl and the championship Rose bowl.
Or whatever bowls are chosen. Should work or seems to me.
42 games covers 84 teams, which are more than get to go to a bowl game now. Everyone has a shot, just like March Madness. Makes sense to me. If they need to start the playoffs at the end of November, maybe Thanksgiving weekend when there is plenty of time to watch them, that also makes sense. They can have it done by the end of December with the Championship game on New Year's Day. The Transfer Portal (15 days) needs to be pushed to mid-January so it does not interfere with the playoffs. If a transfer student misses the first week of school, so be it. Football players do not attend class like the rest of us did, anyway
There may not be a team in the FBS where loyalty means more than at OSU and the Beavers. Barnes hired Jonathan Smith with that in mind. The loyalty was not repaid. But the alums, including me, care passionately about loyalty and keeping ex-Beaver players in the fold whenever possible. If OSU brings on Heyward, I am all in for that, just like I was for Smith and then Bray. I know it is prosaic, but no one can appreciate Corvallis more than those that live there and / or are born and raised there (me), homies. Welcome, Coach Heyward!
Well said Brian! Corvallis is a special place for many people. However, it is not for everyone. It either get's to you or it doesn't!! I love this place and moved back after over 35 years in Newport Beach, CA.
Welcome home coach Heyward!!!
Well said, Brian! Despite those big words I understood your sentiment and agree with you fully. Thanks!
Ask your Doctor if Prosaic is right for you.
Ask your doctor if Preparation H is right for you, Chuckie.
Fuck off.
LOL!! Not sure if that is the absolute best word, but it is what came to mind.
What a pile of b.s.
Loyalty is a two-way street. Don't give me that pap and pablum about all that "loyalty" at Oregon State. Jonathan Smith reciprocated zero loyalty, Brian. Zero. None.
Did I say he did? No, JS is as scummy as the Oregon Ducks people. Just like Cristobal or Taggart. No different. He was a bad hire as far as I am concerned since it turned out to be all about himself. I also do not forgive Riley for twice spurning the Beavers for money, but not for more success, as he failed both in the NFL and at Nebraska. If these people care about success and their own personal legacy, then stick around Corvallis and show people you really care, including their student-players.
Do you realize how hypocritical and contradictory you sound, Brian? You just made my point with your Swiss cheese logic. You call out Riley and Johnny Smith for "scummy" disloyalty, while also calling out Taggart and Cristobal. Kinda throws a huge monkey-wrench in your earlier post where you extol Oregon State as a campus of "loyalty" (whatever the hell that is) What a pile of b.s and you made the point for me.
Oregon State doesn't have one iota more "loyalty" in Corvallis than Oregon does in Eugene. You posted a pile of bullshit and then took the time to destroy your entire pompous statement with the post above.
Thank you.
At least Brian has the decency and integrity to use an actual NAME behind his posts.
"Decency and integrity" is based upon using an actual name? Really? On a sports board where no one knows anyone and will never meet any of those on this forum...LMAO! That's as immature a definition of "decency and integrity" as I've ever heard.
Welcome home, Keith Heyward. Now please take your old Oregon, Washington and USC gear to Goodwill. It's right on the corner of 9th Street and Starker Avenue in Corvallis. There's ample space for it there, right next to a row of Beavers gear for sale that's perfect for an OSU coach.
The Goodwill thing... never understand why a coach would do that. So many less obvious and painful ways to shed that gear.
Could have been worse. The Smiths could have held a garage sale to max out their income from OSU
Let's not over-do the nonsense about "loyalty" at Oregon State. Loyalty is a two-way street.
You have NO IDEA what was happening at OSU.
They were working hard to get a new contract in front of Smith, but -- by his own admission -- he had decided to leave for MSU long ago.
When someone opens their first presser by saying "It's good to be home," it creates reasonable expectations. Smith can't have it both ways.
Yeah, like take it to the Vina Moses Center on Garfield Street in Corvallis, an organization where everything actually goes to those in need.
I’ll come down for the UW gear ;) Great hire OSU !
On a different note, I am finding the bowl games more entertaining than I expected. Yes, a few are boring, but what fun to see teams upset by lower ranked teams. And the joy of the players just playing the game for the love of it. USC looked better last night than all year. The players seem to be having fun. Feels like college football used to be. It has been a pleasant surprise.
I noticed that about USC, watching their bowl game. THAT Trojan team looked MUCH better than the one that played this season. Maybe superstars get in the way of actually winning. The hungry underdogs/backups played really well, and like Anne said, they looked like they were having fun! And I say that as someone who doesn't like USC much.
USC came to play.
USC backups, like a few other programs (Alabama, Ohio State) are mostly 4 star athletes. They can play when given the chance.
Lots of depth. I was surprised at how well USC played.
Hi Brian, yes the 4-stars certainly can play. In fact, I'd say they played a whole lot better than the 5-stars they were replacing.
I found myself cheering for USC, just because they were so enthusiastic and having fun. And I NEVER cheer for USC!
Really good observation, I realized I've been enjoying more this year as well. I'd always rather watch kids playing for the love of the game!
Well said and spot on Anne!
John, I think this is the most positive email I've read since Smith left for MSU. What I took from reading it was this:
- Coach Bray is already gathering some awesome talent via the portal, 4-star players, etc.
- This may be Bray's first head coaching job but he already possesses the intelligence needed to succeed.
- I love the amount of networking being performed between coaches/coaches, coaches/players, players/players, as you stated in the email. I'm a huge proponent of networking. It's helped me in my career so the fact that Coach Bray is benefiting from it is encouraging!
Congratulations on Keith Hayward finally being recognized for his knowledge of defenses but, even more importantly, his knowledge of people and how to help them realize their full potential on the football field and in life! I can't wait to listen to your first interview with him during 2024.
GO BEAVS!!!!
The coaching staff seems to be coming together nicely, good to see Bray's approach to being HC playing out in his choices. I think Jaydon Grant would make an excellent coach some day; hope Bray keeps an eye on him. Go Beavs!
The staff is solid.
Anyone who has played for OSU can appreciate the finer points of the mid-valley and qualities of Corvallis. We need locals to build quality teams that care about where they are from as much or more as what they can put in their pocket.
Yep. They’ll hopefully bring in players who care about the community and will be a strong positive influence on the team, town and state. I’m optimistic.
Love this take Deborah!
Can we bring him back for the 2024 season right now??? That young man is a winner and I think he could be a world class recruiter!!! Let's go coach Bray go lock up Jaydon as our director of recruiting!!
Think Grant eventually ends up as a coach.
I concur JC! However, let's get him recruiting for us right now. He needs to get in the mix and be back with the program. Can he recruit during the NFL offseason?
Positive news at last. Welcome after mostly the other, especially regarding college football (the saving grace being that we know John's are trustworthy and factual). To me, John, this report was a breath of fresh air and optimism. Thanks, Charlie. Go Beavs - and the Pac2!
Charlie you are one of my favorite posters in this venue. Thank you for your efforts and always being a part of this community!!!
Thank you Kent, you are very kind and your support most appreciated. Not always on topic, but try to share things I think might be of interest. Namaste, Charlie
This comment section is not like other comment sections.
For good and not so good!
Thank you, Charlie!!!
Welcome home Coach Heyward! These young men are so fortunate to have you help guide them in their OSU careers and their future lives.
Good hire.
Heyward represents all that is good in his chosen profession. Great hire, to be sure
“The trajectories of Oregon State and Washington State are a fascinating study right now”
Indeed
GO DAWGS
Thanks for being here David.
my privilege
GO DAWGS
Happy New Year, David...you're still in a real minority as a decent Huskies fan.
Go Ducks!!
Don’t get soft on us, Rich 😆
Don't worry about me, Rhino...I vomited when USC won the Holiday Bowl...and Hook 'Em Horns!!
There he is. Ha
"Sacked in the Endzone".....Safety.... another score for the Defense."
As the great Keith Jackson might say "Whoa Nelly!!! We've got a barn burner here!!!"
Terrific Alamo Bowl for those that watched. Arizona grinded it out w/ 6 takeaways! Congratulations coach Fisch on an 10 win season. Players seem to have tightness and love for each other. Zona gonna make some serious noise in Big12 in ‘24 feels like how UW finished last year.
Fisch should have had more coach of the year votes.
After watching the game I kinda liked to think that Oklahoma is glad to be getting out of the Big12 so they don't have to face UA (and Utah) on a regular basis. I think theyy'll have problems with the likes of Mississippi State and Missouri.
Oklahoma going to be in BIG trouble in the SEC.
I think Oklahoma is about to do a ‘Nebraska’ upon its entry into SEC, like their neighbor 2 states north did when entering the B1G. Middlin’ of the pack is what I predict for Norman
Yeah' that's what I was thinking. Growing up in Ames and attending Iowa State, I hated Oklahoma and Nebraska for the terrible beatdowns they put down on the Cyclones. My parents were members of the 77-0 and the 66-0 clubs. Love Nebraska's current mediocracy.
As a longtime UW Husky fan I completely approve of Nebraska’s current meritocracy… they were challenging in early & late 90’s, especially, but have lost their shine. Iowa State I’ve always liked, plucky like OSU, especially the ringing of the Victory Bell.
Good comparison. Similar campus and town. A smaller ag school than OSU but always outpunches its weight.
Feels a little strange, but this Duck fan since the van Broklin days (1950s) pis saying, “Go Beavers!” I want to see them pull through this adversity and rise to the top, beating some Big 10 or SEC team in a bowl game and playoffs.
Thanks Terry!!
I am a Beaver and maybe one of the few who holds no animosity towards the Ducks. USC started the run the to the door to leave the conference after years of mismanagement by Larry and George or should I say Curly and Moe! The gutless little Bruins were right behind them and the rest of the house of cards began to fall.
Thanks Dude.
I always called him “take a knee Riley”, teams behind and takes a knee consistently to wrap up the half. One of the worst clock managers and no concept of going for it on fourth down.
In the flip side, he is still in the game for a reason and does love the Beavers.
This is shaping up to be something special next year.
Coach Riley, for better or (sometimes) worse, is a Corvallis native. I will take him, a CHS grad, over imports any day, with all of his faults.
I was tired of him and his “golly gee” schtick, but I always got the sense that he wanted to stay in Corvallis but the writing was on the wall when the Nebraska job opened up. As if he knew he was saving the Beavs some exit money by taking the hoot if Cornhusker gig.
It’s not a schtick. He’s legit and wholesome.
The main issue most of us had with Riley was his aggressiveness, or lack thereof. That showed up in lots of ways, much of it on defense. And it was in stark contrast to Coach Erickson's uber-aggressiveness, which he showed can work in Corvallis. It is why we were all so excited with Smith, who was a little of each of his mentors. It is why I am excited about Bray, who embodies Erickson's best traits and showed that when he turned around the Beavers D in his first game as DC and will as HC, too, I am sure.
All three coaches had success in Corvallis in different ways. Bray is the perfect choice right now. The fact that Riley is offering up his help is a good thing
Heyward has worn almost as many Pac12 jerseys as some guys in the transfer portal! I'm sure the whole family will be in orange and black very soon. Welcome home Heyward family.
I was thinking the same thing...and I wouldn't be surprised to see him jump for another DC position if he believes 'it's a step up" from OSU.
That's the business. It's mutually beneficial. Do well... get opportunities. That's America.
Why not? Crisco and Taggart did the same thing to UO. Onward and upward.
Why not? Really - why not?
I think you missed the point, but that's not a first for you, Sunshine.
You're just a flat out A hole.
Thank you, Chuckie...coming from you it's a real compliment.
How'd that work out for them? Not exactly onward or upward. Taggart was disappointing, but it turns out not much of a loss. Funny how things work out. Cristobal, I understand why he wanted to go home, but without the incredible resources UO has to offer, he's treading water at best.
They both took better jobs, their dream jobs, which didn't include Oregon. They're both set for life thanks to leveraging the ducks into huge pay days.
Getting out of Eugene was a bonus.
LMAO! Yeah, only Sunshine would see the advantages Taggart gained by leaving Oregon. He's been fired twice since then and his reputation as a head coach is a dumpster fire. Nice call, Sunshine.
Cristobal? The jury is still out, but he hasn't done at Miami what he did at Oregon in the same timeframe. Not close.
Still butt-hurt over the Civil War, I see...
I just felt bad for Oregon when Willie Taggart was flying around Uncle Phil's jet leveraging him and the ducks for a bigger payday with FSU. It was embarrassing. Yes, WT isn't a great coach, proving it was a bad hire by Oregon.
Thanks for the laugh.
If he does well, he'll certainly get offers. Look at how long it took UCLA's D-coordinator to jump to USC. This is not an insult to OSU. Some programs pay in excess of $1.5 million a year for defensive coordinators.
Almost all DCs and OCs are trying to prove their worth as an HC. And no one will ever blame someone from taking a promotion. It is the lateral moves that piss me off, unless there is writing on the wall and it is mutual
Great hire...Onward and upward!
Nothing much to do with this column but I’ve been thinking about Chip Kelly, playoffs and bowl games.
The bowl games become the playoffs? 42 games in the first round, just like March madness. A week off between games comes down to the final four. Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl and the championship Rose bowl.
Or whatever bowls are chosen. Should work or seems to me.
I like the way you're thinking.
42 games covers 84 teams, which are more than get to go to a bowl game now. Everyone has a shot, just like March Madness. Makes sense to me. If they need to start the playoffs at the end of November, maybe Thanksgiving weekend when there is plenty of time to watch them, that also makes sense. They can have it done by the end of December with the Championship game on New Year's Day. The Transfer Portal (15 days) needs to be pushed to mid-January so it does not interfere with the playoffs. If a transfer student misses the first week of school, so be it. Football players do not attend class like the rest of us did, anyway
Sounds like a fine hire as a coach and leader of young men!!!!