Could the former Boise State and Auburn coach reset his career in Corvallis?
The Oregon State football coaching search is underway, and several names have been floated as potential candidates for the job. The process could change rapidly as the coaching carousel continues to spin across college football.
As the search rolls on, barring a major announcement or change in the search dynamics, The Oregonian/OregonLive will examine some of the potential candidates for OSU’s next head coach.
Next up is a former head coach for a future Pac-12 school now aiming for a reset in his career.
Bryan Harsin
Current job: OC, California
Age: 49
Head coaching record: 85-36
Why it works
Harsin was highly successful at Boise State, going 69-19 in seven seasons and winning double-digit games five times. If ever there was a Group of Five model for OSU to try and emulate, it’s the Broncos when they were at their peak.
While Harsin flamed out at Auburn, due in part to recruiting shortcomings, he has plenty of experience recruiting on the West Coast at a level more in line with what Oregon State will be looking for. And his offenses have been impressive over the years, hence the opportunity he now has as the offensive coordinator at California.
Harsin has the type of experience and program-building prowess showcased at Boise State that could make him a good fit in Corvallis.
Why it might not work
Harsin was criticized for his efforts on the recruiting trail, relationships with players, and overall culture during his time at Auburn before being fired in 2022 after less than two seasons. Reports indicated some around the program described it as “toxic” and “dysfunctional.” If true, that is far from the kind of situation OSU needs in this precarious moment as it transitions into the new Pac-12.
There is also the possibility that Auburn was just a bad fit for Harsin, and that he’s learned from those alleged mistakes. But the inherent risk for OSU might dissuade them altogether and point them towards more steady candidates.
Is he interested in Oregon State?
We don’t know, but it’s clear Harsin has the experience necessary to get back into the big chair somewhere in college football. If he’s able to lean on his success at Boise State and shed the concerns around his exit at Auburn, he is the kind of coach one would expect to be in the running at a place like OSU.
But as the search process ramps up as November rolls along, we haven’t heard his name come up much if at all.
Know the other (possible) candidates:
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