Oregon State Dismisses Basketball Coach Wayne Tinkle After 12 Seasons

Oregon State University dismissed men's basketball coach Wayne Tinkle on Thursday after 12 seasons at the helm, paving the way for a new leader as the program prepares for its return to a restructured Pac-12 Conference.

The decision ends Tinkle's tenure with the Beavers, during which he compiled a 175-204 overall record. Oregon State reached the NCAA Tournament twice under his guidance, including a memorable run to the Elite Eight in 2021 following a Pac-12 Tournament championship. The team has struggled more recently, posting a 16-14 mark this season with a 9-8 record in West Coast Conference play. The Beavers sit fourth in the WCC standings and will conclude the regular season Saturday at Santa Clara before competing in the conference tournament in Las Vegas next week.

Athletic director Scott Barnes announced the move, emphasizing the need for change amid evolving college athletics. "We are grateful to Wayne for his dedication to Oregon State and for the leadership he has provided our men's basketball program," Barnes said in a statement. "He has represented Beaver Nation with integrity and commitment. As we approach the dawn of the new Pac-12 era, we believe it is in the best...