Oregon State fires Wayne Tinkle: Beavers overhaul basketball, football programs ahead of Pac-12 relaunch
CBS Sports
by
Carter Bahns
February 26, 2026
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Oregon State has announced that men's basketball coach Wayne Tinkle will not return after the 2025-26 season, marking the end of his 12-year tenure. Tinkle, who led the Beavers to the 2021 Elite Eight but also oversaw two historically poor seasons, is leaving as Oregon State transitions back to the Pac-12 conference next season. The team is currently 16-14 this season and faces an uncertain future under new leadership. Athletic director Scott Barnes emphasized that this change aligns with the program's goal of sustained success in the evolving collegiate landscape.
Tinkle's career at Oregon State was defined by both highs and lows. His teams reached the NCAA Tournament three times, including a remarkable run to the Elite Eight in 2021 as a No. 12 seed. However, Tinkle also presided over two of the worst seasons in program history, including a winless season in 2016-17 and a 3-28 campaign in 2015-16. These struggles, coupled with Oregon State's consistent underperformance in the Pac-
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026