Oregon State has named wide receivers coach Kefense Hynson as the interim head coach for the team’s upcoming bowl game.

Hynson has been with the Beavers since 2018. His appointment comes on the heels of head coach Jonathan Smith leaving Corvallis to take the head coaching job at Michigan State.

“Coach Hynson is an integral and valued member of Oregon State’s renowned coaching staff,” said Oregon State AD Scott Barnes in a statement. “Known by coaches and players for his total commitment, not only to success on the field but also to the holistic well-being of student-athletes, Coach Hynson is ready to lead the program through this interim period.”

Hynson has an extensive background as an offensive coordinator. He served as the co-offensive coordinator at Yale from 2009-11, the co-offensive coordinator at Montana from 2012-14, and then as the wide receivers coach at Hawaii from 2016-17 prior to joining Smith’s staff in Corvallis.

“In a year like no other, the Beavers have demonstrated beyond a doubt that we play at the highest level in college football, and that will continue,” Hynson said. “Oregon State is a special place that attracts the very best student-athletes because they know we have the talent and resources to support their athletic and academic success. I am inspired and energized by the commitment Oregon State has made to continuing to build our program and rebuild our conference.”

Oregon State said Saturday it will begin a national search for its next head coach. Defensive coordinator Trent Bray is expected to receive consideration for the job, and it’s certainly noteworthy that he was not the interim selection for Oregon State.

Bray was named the interim head coach at Nebraska in 2017 when Mike Riley was fired. He has been excellent for Oregon State since returning to Corvallis.

He’s also reportedly one of three assistants Smith is “prioritizing” for his first Michigan State coaching staff.