Video: Trent Bray shares curious setup with Oregon State for bowl game

After leading one of the Pac-12's toughest defenses this past year, Jonathan Smith would have loved to bring Trent Bray with him to East Lansing to lead the Spartans defense.

But åfter interviewing seven candidates for the opening, Oregon State decision makers had other plans for Trent Bray. They were keeping him in Corvallis.

Last night, Bray was announced to Beavers players as the new head coach of his alma mater.

Players were clearly fired up about the choice, and Bray addressed his new team as any newly appointed head coach would.

Then came a curious comment about the bowl game.

"I'm fired up about you guys and the opportunity in the bowl game. Wish I could be there with you, but I'll be around at practice. You're in great hands and I look forward to watching you guys go out there."

Wait, Bray is going to step away from the team for their bowl game? That seems odd.

After the departure of Smith, Oregon State named receivers coach / passing game coordinator Kefense Hynson the interim head coach.

So perhaps Bray is stepping aside during bowl prep to allow Hynson the full opportunity to be the interim head coach, while he focuses on recruiting, the portal, and assembling a staff?

Or maybe he just misspoke in the moment?

Exactly what the plans are in Corvallis are unclear at this time, but the comment has caught the attention of quite a few folks that are asking what the deal is and it sounds like Bray's first media ability will be later today when he will surely be asked about this.

Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.

Update >> Bray confirmed last night that he will not be with the team for their bowl game. Why? Well...