Jonathan Smith is reportedly in the mix as a top target for the Michigan State opening. Shortly after that report surfaced, Oregon State AD Scott Barnes issued a statement on Wednesday regarding Smith’s future with the program.

According to Barnes, there are “ongoing conversations” that have been occurring for over a month with Smith regarding the future goals of the Beaver program. Barnes credits Smith with embracing the plans of the program, and the AD went on to say his “No. 1 priority” is providing a new contract for the coach.

Here is the full statement from Barnes:

Coach Smith and I have had ongoing conversations for more than a month regarding his future at Oregon State and our path forward for football specifically and our athletic department generally. He has embraced our short and long term plans. My No. 1 priority is providing him with a new contract and guaranteed compensation that will help continue the success of the football program that has benefitted Oregon State University and Beavers’ Athletics. Coach Smith and I have also discussed our commitment to extending assistant coaches’ contracts and increasing the salary pool for his staff to retain the continuity of what they have all built together for Beaver Nation.

Smith is an Oregon State alum after playing for the Beavers from 1998-2001. He also got his coaching start as a GA with the program and returned as head coach in 2018. The Beavers are 34-34 overall under Smith and have gone 25-12 since the start of the 2021 season.