CORVALLIS — Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes often talks about his four-pillar plan to football success, one being continuity among the coaching staff.

Barnes is currently taking steps to keep Oregon State’s entire coaching staff intact following the school’s first five-win season since 2014.

Barnes said Wednesday that he and Jonathan Smith are in talks to rework the OSU head coach’s contract. Smith, who signed a five-year deal shortly after accepting the job in December 2017, has three years remaining on his contract.

While there is no deadline, Barnes said he hopes to have a new contract with Smith wrapped up within 30 days.

In addition, Barnes has filed paperwork with the university to increase the assistant coaches’ salary pool, currently $3.3 million per year. Six of the team’s 10 assistant coaches, as well as strength and conditioning coach Mike McDonald, have two-year contracts that expire at the end of February.

New assistant coaching deals will include a specified bonus if Oregon State qualifies for a bowl game. The language in current contracts states that assistant coaches are eligible to receive additional compensation for postseason competition at Barnes’ discretion.

Barnes said he wanted to be “proactive” in retaining the coaching staff because two years into Smith’s tenure “we are where we hoped to be, or better.”

Smith has three years remaining at $1.9 million per season, plus bonuses that reach as high as $650,000 per year.

Barnes and Smith began briefly talking about a new contract in October, and agreed to discuss in more detail once the season ended. Barnes said additional compensation and years are on the table.

“If Jonathan is part of this Beaver family, and I expect him to be for a long time, as it relates to making any finishing touches, we’re both in alignment on where it’s going,” Barnes said of contract discussions.

As for Oregon State’s assistant coaches, Barnes said the current assistant’s salary pool of $3.3 million per year will increase for 2020. Barnes declined to give a number on how much it will increase, as it is still being finalized within the university.

Barnes called the increased amount “substantial … a very appropriate move. We feel well-positioned with what we have done.”

Oregon State ranks near the bottom of the Pac-12 in assistant coaches’ salary pool, but it was increased by about $1 million when Smith was hired. The current pool is comparable with Washington State, Arizona and Colorado, and close to Utah, California and Arizona State.

“We feel like we’ve made a nice next step in being competitive,” Barnes said.

The Beavers’ upgraded salary pool is not expected to be in the same neighborhood as Oregon ($5.63 million in 2019). According to the Seattle Times, Washington’s 2019 assistant coach’s salary pool of $5.94 million was the highest in the Pac-12.

Oregon State assistant coach contracts that expire in February are those of Jim Michalczik (offensive line), Jake Cookus (special teams) Trent Bray (linebackers), Legi Suiaunoa (defensive line), Michael Pitre (running backs) and Kefense Hynson (receivers).

Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar signed three-year deals when hired. Secondary coach Blue Adams and tight ends coach Brian Wozniak have contracts that expire in February 2021.

Barnes said coaches with expiring contracts will be offered new two-year deals. In addition, those whose contracts haven’t expired will receive modifications.

“Although you can never guarantee folks staying around, we like our chances in that area,” Barnes said.

Barnes did not disclose how much assistant coaches would earn for a bowl bonus. Smith’s contract calls for a $25,000 bonus for a bowl game, and $200,000 for participation in the College Football Playoff.

Another football resource enhancement was a recent gift allowing for more private airplane time for coaches on recruiting trips. Smith, for example, is visiting several recruits during a short period of time this week, and chartered flights make it possible.

As for capitalizing on the momentum of Oregon State’s 5-7 season, Barnes said the staff has gone to work on season ticket sales. They recently hired two additional sales people in Portland.

The school recently kicked off its season ticket renewal campaign, which offers 2020 season packages at 2019 prices. That’s a bonus, as next year’s home schedule has seven home games, one more than OSU’s six-game 2019 home schedule, including the Civil War.

-- Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel

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