Long Seeking Job at Oregon State

Dutch Baughman, Oregon State’s athletic director, has already talked with UCLA defensive coordinator Rocky Long about becoming the Beavers’ football coach.

Long and USC’s Mike Riley, along with Oregon State offensive coordinator Denny Schuler, have been mentioned prominently in the search to replace Jerry Pettibone, who resigned under fire Tuesday with two years remaining on his contract. Oregon State went 2-9 this season.

Long, who was defensive coordinator at Oregon State for five seasons under Pettibone, said Sunday that he had expressed interest in the job to Baughman, and had been told “that he would be getting back to me this week.”

“I’ve heard rumors from coaches up there and friends that I have a chance,” Long added.

Long was popular in Corvallis because he found defensive success with a team that lost because of its woeful offense. In his last season there, the Beavers were 1-10 but were 15th in the country in defense.