Andersen came to Oregon State under unusual circumstances after he abruptly resigned as Wisconsin coach in December 2014 after two seasons in Madison. He went 19-7 with the Badgers, but parted ways with the program after becoming frustrated with some of Wisconsin's academic admissions policies and standards.

"Like any change, and I won't diminish this, it's an emotional time for our student-athletes, it just is. Particularly the surprise that it was. They all gave him a big bear hug," Barnes said. "What's so important for us now, not only as a football staff but as an athletic program, is to put our arms around those student-athletes and get them redirected. We have a pretty short window before we've got to get them back on the field. We want to make sure their minds are right, and will do whatever we need to do to make sure they're in good position."