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In the ever-changing landscape of college football, coaching staffs are frequently in flux, with assistant coaches often moving up to the NFL or to other programs for better opportunities. One of the more notable coaching moves this offseason was the departure of Oregon State University’s offensive line coach, Kyle DeVan, who accepted a position with the Chicago Bears. DeVan, who had been a critical part of Oregon State’s offensive success, leaves behind a legacy of strong development and improvement within the Beavers’ offensive line unit.

His departure marks a significant shift for the Oregon State program, as the Beavers will need to fill a crucial position on their coaching staff. This blog post will delve into DeVan’s impact at Oregon State, the circumstances surrounding his move to the NFL, what his departure means for the Beavers, and how Oregon State might proceed in finding a new offensive line coach.

### Kyle DeVan’s Impact at Oregon State

Kyle DeVan’s tenure at Oregon State was marked by significant growth and improvement in the Beavers’ offensive line play. When DeVan arrived in Corvallis in 2018, Oregon State was struggling to establish a dominant offensive line presence. Over the years, DeVan’s coaching and leadership played a key role in turning around the Beavers’ offensive line into one of the more formidable units in the Pac-12 Conference.

Before becoming a coach, DeVan had a successful playing career. A former standout offensive lineman at James Madison University, DeVan played in the NFL for several seasons, spending time with the Indianapolis Colts, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His experience at the highest level of the game allowed him to bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to his role as a coach. He understood what it took to succeed at the professional level, and his approach to developing offensive linemen focused on hard work, discipline, and attention to detail.

Under DeVan’s guidance, Oregon State’s offensive line improved dramatically in several key areas. His ability to develop individual players and foster a cohesive unit up front helped improve both pass protection and run blocking, which were pivotal to the Beavers’ offensive success. DeVan’s work with players like Josh Oglesby, who earned All-Pac-12 honors, and other offensive linemen helped set a new standard for what Oregon State could expect from its offensive line.

Perhaps one of DeVan’s most impressive feats was his ability to turn around a unit that struggled in previous years. His coaching emphasized both technique and mental toughness, and he helped his players develop an understanding of the offensive scheme that allowed them to play at a high level. As a result, Oregon State became a more balanced offensive team, capable of both running the ball effectively and protecting the quarterback. His contributions were integral to the Beavers’ offensive resurgence under head coach Jonathan Smith.

### The Move to the Chicago Bears

Kyle DeVan’s departure from Oregon State comes as a surprise to many, but it is understandable given the opportunity he has received. Moving from the college ranks to the NFL is a major career milestone for any coach, and DeVan’s move to the Chicago Bears represents a significant step forward in his career.

The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have made a concerted effort in recent seasons to rebuild their offensive line and improve their offensive capabilities. With quarterback Justin Fields entering his third season and looking to take a step forward in his development, having a strong offensive line is more important than ever for the Bears. The team has been active in revamping its roster, and DeVan’s hiring signals their commitment to ensuring that their offensive line becomes a strength rather than a liability.

DeVan’s experience coaching at the college level, coupled with his time as a player in the NFL, makes him an ideal candidate for a position on the Bears’ staff. The Bears are looking to develop their young offensive players, and DeVan’s ability to mold and improve offensive linemen will be an asset as they attempt to build a more competitive team around Fields. His knowledge of the game, combined with his proven ability to develop young talent, makes him an exciting addition to the Bears’ coaching staff.

For DeVan, the opportunity to coach in the NFL represents a dream come true. After playing professionally, transitioning to coaching at the college level was a natural progression. However, moving to the NFL gives DeVan the chance to work at the highest level of the game, and his expertise will likely make a significant impact on the Bears’ offensive line play. It’s an exciting opportunity for DeVan, and it will no doubt further elevate his coaching career.

### What Does DeVan’s Departure Mean for Oregon State?

While Kyle DeVan’s departure is a significant loss for Oregon State, it is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of college football coaching staffs. Coaches develop talented players, and sometimes those coaches are lured away by opportunities in higher-profile programs or the NFL. For Oregon State, the loss of DeVan represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

From a football perspective, DeVan’s departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. As one of the more respected offensive line coaches in the Pac-12, DeVan’s presence had become a cornerstone of Oregon State’s program. The Beavers will now need to find someone capable of continuing the positive trajectory that DeVan helped establish.

Oregon State’s success in the coming years may depend heavily on how they manage this transition. While the Beavers have developed strong relationships with players during DeVan’s tenure, a coaching change could disrupt the consistency and development that has become a hallmark of the offensive line. Oregon State’s offensive scheme, which was tailored to suit the strengths of its players, may need to be adjusted depending on the approach of the new offensive line coach.

However, this challenge also provides Oregon State with an opportunity to bring in new ideas and fresh perspectives. Jonathan Smith, the head coach of Oregon State, has done a fantastic job in developing the program into a competitive force in the Pac-12, and he will likely be looking for someone who shares his vision for the team and can continue the growth that DeVan helped initiate.

Moreover, Oregon State has built a strong recruiting base, and the offensive line will continue to be an area of focus for the program. The Beavers will need to attract a coach who can continue to develop top-tier talent while ensuring that the unit remains cohesive and fundamentally sound. Whether the new coach comes from the college ranks or the NFL, they will need to quickly integrate into Oregon State’s system to maintain the offensive line’s momentum.

### The Search for a New Offensive Line Coach

With DeVan now with the Chicago Bears, the search for a new offensive line coach at Oregon State will be a critical task for head coach Jonathan Smith and the athletic department. While it is not uncommon for programs to experience turnover in assistant coaching positions, replacing someone with DeVan’s experience and success is no easy task.

Oregon State will likely cast a wide net in their search, looking for someone with a proven track record of success at the college or NFL level. A candidate with a background in developing talent and building cohesive units will be at the top of the list, as the Beavers need a coach who can step in and immediately contribute to the program’s success.

Furthermore, the Beavers will also have to consider how the new coach fits within the overall structure of the team. The offensive line coach must be able to work with the team’s offensive coordinator and ensure that the line remains a key component of the Beavers’ offensive identity.

### Conclusion

Kyle DeVan’s departure from Oregon State to join the Chicago Bears marks the end of an important era for the Beavers’ offensive line. Under DeVan’s guidance, Oregon State’s offensive line made significant strides, and his coaching played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence. While his departure leaves a void, it also opens the door for new opportunities and challenges for the Beavers’ program.

For DeVan, the move to the NFL is a well-earned next step in his career. The Chicago Bears will benefit from his expertise in developing offensive linemen and his experience playing at the professional level. As for Oregon State, the program will now need to find the right person to continue the momentum that DeVan built, ensuring that the Beavers remain competitive in the Pac-12 and beyond. The search for a new offensive line coach will be a critical part of that effort.