Big changes, new faces, new duties at OSU

A BIG TIME reshuffling of the Oregon State staff, just in time for the start of spring ball. Brett Brennan, who was the San Jose State WRs coach is the new Beavers’ wide receivers coach. Jay Locey is moving back to the tight ends. But it doesn’t end there -- even defensive coordinator Mark Banker is changing positions and the longest tenured assistant on the OSU staff is moving on.

OSU Sports Information confirmed what had previously been reported on varying media, including that defensive coordinator Mark Banker moves over to coach the linebackers. Corners coach Keith Heyward will now also mentor the safeties, previously coached by Banker.

That puts Greg Newhouse, who completed his 14th year at Oregon State in 2010, out of the mix. OSU’s statement said Newhouse, who coached the linebackers, "was offered another position" within the program but elected to pursue other opportunities. Newhouse spent 14 seasons at Oregon State in a variety of assistant coach roles on the defense.

To recap…

San Jose State wide receivers coach Brent Brennan has the new receivers coach. Jay Locey moves to tight ends from wide receivers. Defensive coordinator Mark Banker moves to linebackers from safeties. Keith Heyward, who previously coached the corners, adds safeties and becomes the defensive backs coach. Newhouse, who coached the linebackers, is leaving OSU.

Brennan over his SJSU career held the positions of co-offensive coordinator, tight ends coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Prior to his tenure at San Jose State, Brennan spent four seasons (2001-04) as the wide receivers/slotback coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He previously held graduate assistant roles at UW, Arizona and Hawaii. He played for UCLA as a wide receiver in the early 90s.

All this comes on the heels of Oregon State hiring Chris Brasfield as the new running backs coach, who comes to OSU after a one-year stint as the graduate assistant coach for defense for the Ducks.

The new 2011 staff responsibilities:
Jay Locey, assistant head coach/tight ends; Mark Banker, defensive coordinator/linebackers; Bruce Read, coordinator of special teams; Danny Langsdorf, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Chris Brasfield, running backs; Brent Brennan, wide receivers; Mike Cavanaugh, offensive line; Keith Heyward, secondary; Joe Seumalo, defensive line; Alan Darlin, graduate assistant/asst. linebackers; Mitch Meeuwsen, graduate assistant/asst. secondary.