The new hire, Jonathan Smith, did what every other football coach usually does on the first day on the job. He thanked his new bosses. He recognized his mentors. He introduced his family. But the Oregon State football coach did it on Thursday with tears in his eyes.
This was new.
We're used to seeing the Beavers' coaches cry on the way out.
Kidding. Kind of.
OSU president Dr. Ed Ray wasn't crying when he introduced Smith, though. He was fired up. He's 73, has white hair and wears spectacles. He's wicked smart and holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics, and also, a masters and doctorate in economics from Stanford.