In 2025, teams let go of the largest number of coaches because they were unwilling to produce results. And now it’s time for Oregon State coach Trent Bray to join the list. Oregon State’s crushing 39-14 loss to Wake Forest turned out to be the final nail in the coffin for Bray. The Beavers are now sitting at 0-7 and are officially the worst team in the FBS with zero wins this season. His overall record tanked to 5-14, which obviously didn’t sit well with the fans or the school’s administration.

Last week, after a tough 27-23 loss at Appalachian State, people were already whispering about Bray’s possible exit. Instead of firing Bray, then, OSU cut special teams coach Jamie Christian. But now the damage is too much to save Bray. That’s when On3’s Pete Thamel posts on X, saying, “Sources: Oregon State has fired Trent Bray after a 0-7 start.”

Oregon State owes Trent Bray a little more than $4 million, after his unexpected dismissal, as per ESPN sources. And when asked about his chances of getting fired, Bray gracefully accepted the reality. “I really don’t think about that, those (decisions) are out of my control,” Bray said. “That’s decisions that people make, I’m just going to show up until they tell me I can’t.”

Why did Oregon State fire Trent Bray?

Trent Bray’s head coaching time at Alma Mater started from the 2024 season, yeah, not that long. He stepped into the big shoes of Jonathan Smith after he left for Michigan State. Initially, there was some optimism. Bray’s Beavers kicked off that year with a solid 4-1 record in the first half of the season, including a notable win over Purdue and just one early loss to ranked Oregon. But the tide quickly turned. The team collapsed down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games to finish 5-7. That record eventually kept them away from all the bowl contentions.

This rough finish in his debut season already placed Bray on the hot seat, with fans and analysts questioning if he could lead the program effectively. Fast forward to 2025, and things only got worse. The 0-7 record becomes the worst start for the program since 1991. Their struggles culminated in a frustrating 39-14 home loss to Wake Forest on October 11, a game that epitomized their season-long woes. Throughout the season, Oregon State has frequently appeared lifeless on the field, suffering an average loss margin of 17.9 points per game.

Defensively, they have allowed approximately 181.2 passing yards per game, while their offense has struggled to put up even 18.3 points a game on average. A performance like that will definitely look out for a major change. Initially, it was the special teams coach, Jamie Christian’s head, that got cut. But the Wake Forest blunder forced AD Scott Barnes to go after Bray. “I want to thank Coach Bray for the energy and determination he brought to the role. A former student-athlete, proud graduate, and dedicated mentor, Trent’s connection to Oregon State runs deep — he will always be a Beaver,” OSU athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement.

“This was a difficult decision, but the results on the field were not acceptable, and after evaluating every aspect of the football program, I believe it is in the best interests of OSU football student-athletes, our fans, and our university.”

How much does Oregon State owe Trent Bray?

Bray still had three years left on his contract, and the buyout figure was a little more than $4 million. The program paid a heavy price after getting hammered by losses and fan frustration. They promoted Bray from defensive coordinator to head coach with some hope, but he couldn’t deliver the results. His buyout became a significant talking point because paying such a large sum to move on sends ripples through the athletic department’s budget. Plus, letting him go means Oregon State needs to make two new hires, one for HC and one for DC.

The first glaring issue was Oregon State’s schedule. The schedule itself offered little mercy early on, facing four Power Four opponents in five games. The fans hoped for a 2-2 start. The thought of 1-3 was a stretch, given circumstances like the injury to a reliable long snapper and pressure getting to backups.  Another issue that’s haunted the team is the special teams disaster. Like, the long snapping problems against Fresno State, where six botched snaps directly led to a loss. And then Bray’s “never talk about injuries” stance hasn’t helped either. It left both the media and fans frustrated, since they believe transparency is crucial.

Trent Bray’s contract & salary details

Trent Bray signed a five-year deal with the Beavers, earning a base salary of $1.2 million and roughly $2 million a year in total.

What’s next for Trent Bray after his firing?

For Bray, it’s a tough exit but not the end of the road. His deep ties to the school remain intact because of his services as a standout linebacker for the Beavers. Plus, the buyout, funded exclusively by donor money, provides a cushion, so he’s not just out in the cold. Oregon State, meanwhile, has appointed veteran coach Robb Akey as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Akey brings a wealth of college football and NFL assistant coaching experience to steady a faltering program.