At the heart of Oregon State’s preseason preparations are two new coordinators whose philosophies could reshape the program’s identity.
A Shock‑to‑the‑System Offense
Dahlen wants his offense to catch opponents off guard by demanding a relentless, hard‑playing mentality from the first snap.
He backs that demand with a data‑driven approach, stripping away emotional narratives and letting film speak for quarterback evaluations.
A Physical Defense Reborn
MacIntyre is steering the defense back toward a traditionally physical style, emphasizing tackling, leverage and competition for every ball.
He describes the scheme as deceptively simple, designed to appear complex only to those who have mastered its core principles.
Early observations suggest the players are responding with unexpected maturity, seeking feedback and adjusting quickly after mistakes.
Cross‑training across positions is a key part of the plan, ensuring depth and readiness in case injuries arise during the grind.
The coaches stress that the ultimate goal is to see 11 players sprinting to the ball, each engaged in one‑on‑one battles that define the new culture.