Pre-season Preview: Coaches

It could be argued that the OSU coaching staff went through the biggest shakeup this offseason. There were departures, shuffling, and new hires. As a result, we thought a recap was in order, as well a look at this staff heading into Year 2 of the Andersen era. It’s clear that OSU is rebuilding and it will take more than several seasons. That said, it will be interesting to see what strides the team makes this year, as it will be a reflection of the coaches, both good and bad.

Kalani Sitake (assistant head coach/defensive coordinator). Named BYU’s head coach.

Ilaisa Tuiaki (linebackers/special teams). Followed Sitake to BYU where he is defensive coordinator.

Kevin Clune (defensive coordinator/inside linebackers). Comes to OSU from Utah State where he served as defensive coordinator during 2015 season. Was Hawaii’s DC in 2014. His defenses blitz a lot and are aggressive.

Corey Hall (cornerbacks). Former NFL player (made NFL All-Rookie team) who coached cornerbacks for Weber State in 2015. Relates well to players and is expected to be a force on the recruiting trail.

Gary Andersen Will be coaching the defensive line, an area he’s coached extensively during his career, including at Utah and Idaho State. How will he balance head duties with the defensive line?

Dave Baldwin Coaching inside receivers after serving as offensive coordinator/tight ends coach last season. How will he handle the move? Can he help this group become more consistent?

Kevin McGiven Promoted to co-offensive coordinator, and will continue to coach the quarterbacks, which was his main role in 2015. Can he help OSU improve its woeful QB play from last year?

TJ Woods Promoted to co-offensive coordinator, and will continue to coach the offensive line, which was his role last season. Unit lost a few key players, so it will be interesting to see how he ushers the line/running game along.

Brent Brennan Coaching outside receivers this year, after previously handling all the receivers. He, and Baldwin, are tasked with helping this unit realize its high potential.

Chad Kauha’aha’a Promoted to associate head coach, and will be coaching outside linebackers. Was the Beavers’ defensive line coach last season. Has a young LBs corps this year.

All eyes will be on Clune, but equal pressure should be on McGiven. He’s highly regarded for his work at Utah State and was considered a major coup for Andersen when he was putting together his staff. Should’ve OSU’s QB play been better last season? That’s debatable. But now in Year 2, armed with “his guy” in USU transfer Darrel Garretson, and a promotion to co-OC, McGiven needs results.

The Beavers have earned verbal commitments from three linemen so far — and probably need at least two more in this class. And while a lot can change between now and February, a case can be made that OSU has struck out on their top targets such as Alex Forsyth and Cody Shear. So, Woods needs to finish strong. At the very least, OSU needs several more bodies to replace their losses over the next two years.

After a two-win campaign in their first season, there’s just about nowhere to go but up for Andersen and Co. But the Beavers still have an uphill battle and breaking in a new QB is never easy. Plus, the schedule is brutal. This season is about being more competitive. If the Beavers can avoid 40-0 shutouts at home and steal a win here and there, the coaches have the team trending upward. However, if it’s more of the same from 2015, it’s fair to start wondering, especially with all the changes made this year. At the very least, Beaver Nation should realize that it may take Andersen more like 4-5 years to rebuild the program.