There has been plenty of speculation about the possibility of Oregon State football coach Jonathan Smith leaving for another job.

Not only has Smith garnered attention for the success the Beavers have had over the past two seasons — they have gone 18-7 — but there is plenty of uncertainty with what the future holds for Oregon State.

With 10 of the Pac-12’s member schools leaving for various conferences at the end of this school year, Oregon State and Washington State are in limbo waiting to see what’s next.

Oregon State athletics director Scott Barnes wants to do what he can to retain Smith, the former walk-on quarterback who helped lead the Beavers to an 11-1 record and Fiesta Bowl win in 2000.

“Coach Smith and I have had ongoing conversations for more than a month regarding his future at Oregon State and our path forward for football specifically and our athletic department generally,” Barnes said in a released statement on Wednesday.

“He has embraced our short and long term plans. My No. 1 priority is providing him with a new contract and guaranteed compensation that will help continue the success of the football program that has benefitted Oregon State University and Beavers’ Athletics.

“Coach Smith and I have also discussed our commitment to extending assistant coaches’ contracts and increasing the salary pool for his staff to retain the continuity of what they have all built together for Beaver Nation.”

Smith was asked about his future by sports writer John Canzano on his radio show Tuesday. When asked what he would say to Oregon State fans about their fear of the possibility of his leaving, Smith replied:

“They can be confident I’m completely focused on the task at hand. Confident that we’re battling, week in and week out and that has not changed. There has not been some distraction on that. I think it’s known what this place means and what I’ve done and been around here and I think that speaks for itself.”

So, does that mean he hasn’t had contact with other schools?

“I’m not trying to be sarcastic here. I’ve got an agent that’s got a job,” Smith answered. “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.”

Smith also said he has become more and more confident each time he talks with Barnes in regards to the plan to operate and fund the football program at the Power 5 level … and creating a schedule that works.

It’s not just about stability and compensation for Smith, but also his assistant coaches and support staff, who have played a vital role in turning the program around in Smith’s six seasons at the helm.

“The big piece is it’s just not about me. We’ve got a big-time staff here,” Smith said. “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.”