CORVALLIS, Ore. — It was heartbreak and heartache in Corvallis on Monday after news emerged over the weekend that Beavers head football coach Jonathan Smith is jumping ship to join Michigan State University. Many students are still reacting to the news and have been left wondering about what's next for Oregon State University's athletic department.
The future of the school's entire sports program is still up in the air due to the conference realignment. Throw in a blowout loss to the Ducks in Friday's rivalry game, not to mention finals coming up in just a few weeks, and it's safe to say there are a lot of emotions going through the campus this week.
"It's pretty devastating," said OSU student Lauren Sears. "I was personally shocked by it, I know all of us our heartbroken over it."
Sears said she didn't think anybody saw Smith's departure coming, and other students were similarly blindsided. At American Dream across the street from campus, cook Jack Hansberry shared the same thoughts and feelings. It was a little unexpected to hear that news so quickly after the Beavers' loss to the Ducks, he said.
The end of the Jonathan Smith era is especially sad for OSU students because of his history in Corvallis and at the university. Smith is a former walk-on quarterback and led the Beavers to the school's best season when he guided them to victory over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl more than 20 years ago. He's credited with turning the football program around after coming back as a coach.
"I'm a little disappointed to be honest, he came in to help change the team, and I feel he did some, but he didn't finish the job, and it's a little sad to see him go," added Jack Hansberry, another student at OSU.
There might be sadness around campus, but other students and Beaver fans said they couldn't blame Smith for leaving. The PAC 12 conference is no more, and OSU is still scrambling to get a full football schedule put together for next season.
"I'm sure that was a factor in why he left," said OSU graduate student Sam Elliot. "I'm sure they are paying him more money. It's sad for us because he was great at developing players."
Still, Beaver Believers won't be giving up hope anytime soon, especially since Oregon State is still bowl eligible — although it hasn't been determined yet who the Beavers will be playing.