Jonathan Smith, Oregon State’s head coach, has been rumored to be in conversations regarding the opening at Michigan State.

On Tuesday, Smith spoke to John Canzano, addressing his future at Oregon State and the rumors that he is shopping his options.

Smith was candid in his answer about whether or not he’s been in contact with other schools, saying that his agent is always talking to people and figuring out what’s out there. That’s just business.

“I’m not trying to be sarcastic here. I’ve got an agent that’s got a job,” Smith said. “He best be finding out what is out there and people calling. That’s how that works. I can tell you from his side he best be working just because I’m paying him so much. They get a percentage and I’m making a couple million bucks. I’m not trying to be sarcastic. Any coach, they’re aware of what’s potentially out there if their agent is doing their job. I’m not trying to dodge the question. I’m trying to be truthful.”

But Smith has also had good conversations with Oregon State athletics director Scott Barnes regarding his future with the Beavers as well as Oregon State’s future now that the Pac-12 is dismantling to just 2 teams.

“I will say that I grow more and more confident every time I talk to (athletic director) Scott (Barnes) in regards to the plan to operate and fund at the Power 5 level, scheduling and trying to create a schedule that works,” Smith said. “It’s not an easy task. You know the situation that us and Washington State are in, but my confidence grows listening to Scott more and more on the plan to fund it at that level and how we’re going to get it done… my confidence grows on that end.”

Smith discussed what it would take for him to stay at Oregon State, and he said that he already got an automatic extension because of the games he’s won. He also said something he has to consider is his staff that’s with him.

“There’s been conversations. Some of it, for me individually on my contract, because we’ve won the amount of games we have, I’ve already got an automatic extension,” Smith said. “So I’m sitting on another six years. So that part is not as critical. The big piece is just not about me. We’ve got a big-time staff here. It’s just not about me and the insecurity and uncertainty. The staff here, same way. We’ve got players here, same way. We’ve got to continue to support it so we act like a power-five level.”

Smith has been with Oregon State since 2018. He had his most successful season in 2022, going 10-3. Smith has lead the Beavers to an 8-3 record this season.