clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Beavers Name Keith Bhonapha As Next Running Backs Coach

After only a few days, Oregon State appears to have found their replacement for AJ Steward

Oregon v Oregon State Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images

Just a few days ago Oregon State Running Backs Coach AJ Steward was poached by Baylor, but it appears that the Beavers have moved quickly to secure his replacement. Oregon State has named Keith Bhonapha, most recently the Running Backs Coach and Assistant Head Coach at Boise State, as their new RB coach.

Bruce Feldman at The Athletic broke the story first, revealing the Beavers revealing the Beavers planned to tap Boise State’s Running Backs Coach as Steward’s replacement.

As mentioned by Feldman, Bhonapha and Jonathan Smith have a history. Both were part of the coaching groups put together by Chris Petersen at Boise State and Washington. Bonahpha returned to Boise State last season, during which the Broncos’ George Holani rushed for 10 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards.

Bhonapha comes into one of the best running back situations in the Pac-12. Last season Freshman RB Damien Martinez established himself as a star, running for 982 yards and 7 touchdowns en route to a Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Award. With a mostly stable offensive line, next season could be even bigger for Martinez.