When the coaching carousel stops spinning for one school, another program takes a ride.
With Nebraska’s hire of Mike Riley, the Oregon State Beavers were left in the lurch. Riley was Oregon State’s head coach from 2003-14. It was his second stint with the program after leaving in 1998 to become the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
Riley was a staple in Corvallis. Oregon State athletic director Bob De Carolis will now have to make his second hire for the football program since taking over Beavers sports.
De Carolis released a statement Thursday expressing his thoughts on Riley’s departure:
Statement from Oregon State AD Bob De Carolis on Mike Riley’s departure. pic.twitter.com/gjT2G1MN6n
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) December 4, 2014
While De Carolis wouldn’t comment on the Beavers’ coaching search, it’s already been determined that the program won’t hire from within, according to The Oregonian‘s John Canzano.
An unexpected name already entered the conversation to replace Riley…former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke.
Despite Hoke’s recent track record at Michigan, he previously turned around programs at Ball State and San Diego State. While the former Wolverines coach isn’t the most enticing candidate at the moment, he makes some sense for Oregon State due to his experience and ties to the program.