Family had to come first, and that in a nutshell is why Keith Heyward Jr. resigned Sunday as Oregon State’s defensive coordinator.

Family always comes first. That is the lesson which many fans are taking in the wake of Keith Heyward's resignation Sunday morning. Heyward's father, Keith Sr.

After one season with the Beavers, one of Trent Bray's top assistants has opted not to return for the 2025 campaign.

Oregon State defensive coordinator Keith Heyward has resigned after one year with the Beavers’ football staff. A source confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive that Heyward is no longer with the football program. No reason was given for Heyward’s resignation.

Oregon State football coach Trent Bray hired the best defensive coordinator candidate available this week when he announced he would fill the position. The job became vacant with Keith Heyward's surprising resignation Sunday.