It was announced today that Reggie Davis would be leaving Oregon State University to take a job with the San Francisco 49ers. The promotion is a compliment to Davis's coaching skills and Mike Riley's mentoring skills. The hunt to replace Davis begins.

DAVIS WILL BE MISSED

Davis met Riley during his tenure with the Chargers while Riley was the head coach. After his NFL playing career was over, Davis spent three seasons coaching running backs at UNLV.

The two coaches were reunited in Corvallis three seasons ago when Riley introduced Davis as Oregon State's Running Backs coach. Now Davis is reunited with another San Diego connection: Quarterback Jim Harbaugh.

Davis's career at Oregon State overlapped NFL-bound Jacquizz Rodgers during their three seasons. Riley is now faced with the difficult task of replacing a talented coach and his star running back.

Davis was among the more effective recruiters on the Oregon State staff. While Davis will be missed, this is an opportunity for Oregon State to enhance the staff.

REPLACING DAVIS

The World Wide Web Rumor Mill will be working overtime to produce numerous candidates. While none of the following names come from official channels, BeaverBlitz.com has identified eight possibilities through sources at Rivals.com, other reliable sources, and searches based on skill sets that are needed for the position.

In order to identify a list of candidates, Beaver fans need to examine past hires. Generally Riley hires people he knows or rewards former players with an opportunity to get their foot in the door.

It's no secret that the Beaver Staff needs more energetic recruiters that can sell the program. Riley maintains a diverse staff, and it's not a stretch to believe that trend will continue.

Davis recruited San Diego and Texas, and finding someone with ties in those regions would be a bonus.

LET THE RUMORS FLY - NINE NAMES

Former player Ken Simonton is a popular pick among fans. His success at running back, ties to California, strong work ethic, and outgoing personality conjure images of recruiting success. His lack of coaching experience and potential lack of interest balance the spectrum.

Another name suggested recently was Lydell Wilson who coached the Rodger Brothers at Lamar Consolidated HS. In 2010 Wilson returned to his alma mater at C.E. King and is currently the head coach. His high quality character and personable demeanor put him in a category that Riley appreciates. He could also recruit Texas effectively.

Another area to search are coaches that have recently become unemployed. One coach that may receive interest is Andre Powell who was fired from Clemson this year. Powell could establish new recruiting territories on the East Coast, in a similar manner as Reggie Davis's predecesor .

Jeff Banks of UTEP is an experienced running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Banks is multi-talented and also coaches special teams. He played college football at Washington State, but grew up in Southern California and would bring an eye for Texas talent.

Another Texas coach with running back and recruiting coordinator experience is Clarence McKinney from the University of Houston. McKinney has strong connections in the Houston area and has a strong reputation among the football community.

Keary Colbert is entering his second year at USC after a 5-year run through the NFL. The former Trojan tight end is a graduate assistant that can relate to young athletes. He coached tight ends for USC this year, and Mike Riley has a history with the Trojan football program dating back to former head coach John Robinson. Colbert might be a longshot, but he would bolster the recruiting effort in Southern California.

Northern Arizona's Francis St. Paul also hit the radar as a Wide Receivers Coach. If Jay Locey is compelled to coach Running Backs again, it would be an easy transition for St. Paul to come on board. St. Paul is a former NFL athlete who recruits Texas and Southern California. With Davis's departure both regions are high on Oregon State's recruiting wish list.

If you see a trend with the San Diego Chargers, then there's another option. LaDainian Tomlinson is scheduled to make a couple million running the ball for the Jets next year, but he has the option to walk away. He won't, but isn't speculation fun?

BEAVERBLITZ.COM NOTES

BeaverBlitz.com will cover the hiring process closely. Check The Lodge for updates and insight as the Beavers begin their coaching search. We wish Coach Davis the best of luck as he begins his NFL Coaching Career.

We hope you'll consider supporting BeaverBlitz.com by becoming a member. As we grow we are able to provide more coverage to Oregon State athletics.

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