Jonathan Smith returns to Oregon State in a turn of events that is both a risky and heartwarming homecoming.

Smith was a walk-on quarterback who led the Beavers to one of their greatest seasons in team history.

He's been a successful assistant and positions coach and comes to Oregon State from Washington, where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Chris Petersen.

In his first job as a head coach, he takes over a program as dysfunctional as it is depleted.

By bringing Smith in, that means Oregon State is moving Cory Hall, the interim head coach, out of his current position.

Hall was the Beavers' cornerbacks coach before he was jolted into the head coaching job after Gary Andersen and the Beavers mutually parted ways in October.

By all accounts, Hall brought energy, enthusiasm and a creativity to the Beavers that had been noticeably lacking.

The Oregonian/OregonLive.com's John Canzano weighed in on Hall earlier this month:

Hall also brought excitement on the recruiting trail and had been active in pursuing players during his short stint leading the team. But would keeping him be a possible distraction for the new staff? Should Smith keep Hall on as an assistant in some format? You tell us.