The Oregon State football coaching search is underway, and several names have been floated as potential candidates for the job. The process could change rapidly as the coaching carousel continues to spin across college football.
As the search rolls on, barring a major announcement or change in the search dynamics, The Oregonian/OregonLive will examine some of the potential candidates for OSU’s next head coach.
Next up is a crucial piece of an elite coaching staff less than an hour down the road.
Tosh Lupoi
Current job: DC, Oregon
Age: 44
Head coaching record: N/A
Why it works
Lupoi is a defensive-minded coach with experience in both elite college football programs and the NFL. As one of the front-facing members of Dan Lanning’s staff at Oregon, he is getting the typical buzz about becoming a head coach that comes with high-level success.
His defenses with the Ducks have — save for a handful of key games, including last year’s Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State — been ferocious since he joined Lanning’s staff in 2022. The Ducks boast elite closing speed to the ball, consistent discipline, and an ability to force turnovers. Last year, Oregon ranked No. 7 in the country in total defense and No. 9 in scoring defense.
Lupoi is a motivator who is one of the most important voices in Oregon’s locker room, but also a key presence on the recruiting trail. Bringing that kind of prowess and experience to Oregon State could help elevate the program to new heights.
Why it might not work
Lupoi hasn’t been a head coach before, and not every coordinator from a highly successful program is able to translate that success elsewhere. Myriad factors outside Lupoi’s control could make things difficult in Corvallis, and he’d have to put together a strong staff around him including a sharp-minded offensive coordinator.
While those in the OSU fanbase looking at the situation objectively would likely accept Lupoi into the fold, he is still a Duck. That might make some folks wary. His connection to Cal as an alum could also create a situation where OSU is the stepping stone to what is widely believed to be his dream job.
But if it leaves the program in a better place, should OSU fans even worry about being a stepping stone?
Is he interested in Oregon State?
While Lupoi’s name has been mentioned in some reports on the OSU coaching search, we don’t know if he’s actually interested.
Lanning has been able to retain his best assistants longer than most, and a big part of that is his message that guys only take the “right” job if they choose to leave Oregon. Not to mention Oregon’s ability to pay coordinators a hefty sum.
Is OSU the “right” job for Lupoi, or should he stick around in Eugene and keep winning games while waiting for the Justin Wilcox situation to run its course in Berkeley?
Know the other (possible) candidates:
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