JaMarcus Shephard Named Oregon State Head Coach on Five-Year Deal

Oregon State football is turning a new page after firing Trent Bray on October 12 following an 0-7 start to the season. With the program struggling through another challenging year, the Beavers have now found a leader to guide their rebuild.

JaMarcus Shephard, currently assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Alabama, has agreed to a five-year contract to take over the Oregon State program, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The hire follows a period in which Oregon State struck out on other candidates, including Tim Polasek of North Dakota State, before settling on Shephard.

This marks Shephard’s first head coaching opportunity, giving him a chance to translate years of experience at successful programs into leading his own team. His hiring comes as Oregon State seeks to regain competitiveness in the Pac-12, where the Beavers have struggled in recent seasons.

With a 2-9 record this year, Oregon State will miss a bowl game for a second consecutive season. Shephard’s arrival signals hope for a program in transition, particularly as the Pac-12 undergoes major realignment in 2026.

1. Shephard’s Coaching Journey

JaMarcus Shephard began his coaching career after finishing his playing days at DePauw University, starting at the high school level before moving to the collegiate ranks. He joined Willie Taggert’s staff at Western Kentucky as a volunteer, eventually earning a paid position and climbing the coaching ladder. Shephard has extensive experience on the West Coast, including a stint as an assistant under Mike Leach at Washington State in 2016. From 2017 to 2021, he coached at Purdue before joining Kalen DeBoer at Washington, where he helped build a high-powered offense. Following DeBoer to Alabama, Shephard became co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, gaining experience in one of college football’s premier programs. His tenure has included preparing Alabama for potential SEC Championship and National Championship appearances. This diverse coaching background gives Shephard a blend of offensive innovation, recruiting knowledge, and experience in elite programs that Oregon State hopes will translate into a successful rebuild.

2. Bringing Winning Experience to Oregon State

Shephard brings a track record of success from top-tier programs, including being part of the Washington staff that reached the National Championship game in 2023. At Alabama, he has been involved in preparing a team that is in contention for another SEC Championship. Oregon State hopes that Shephard’s exposure to championship-caliber programs will help instill a winning culture and elevate a team that has struggled in recent years. The Beavers’ 2-9 season underscores the need for a coach capable of implementing structure, discipline, and innovative strategies. His experience with developing wide receivers and high-powered offenses aligns with the Beavers’ need to improve on both sides of the ball. Leadership in the locker room and credibility with players will be critical components of his early success. Shephard’s hiring also represents a commitment to long-term stability, as the Beavers prepare for changes in the Pac-12 and aim to compete in an increasingly competitive conference landscape.

3. Oregon State and the Pac-12 Transition

Oregon State will face significant challenges next season as part of the restructured Pac-12. The conference will welcome six new members—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Texas State—creating a new competitive landscape for the Beavers. The program will need to adjust to both the new opponents and the expectations of its fan base after consecutive losing seasons. Building a culture of consistency and competitiveness will be a priority for Shephard in his first year. Recruiting will also be central to Shephard’s plan, as Oregon State looks to attract talent capable of competing in a revitalized Pac-12. His connections from prior coaching stops and experience at high-profile programs should aid in these efforts. Ultimately, Shephard inherits a program in transition, with both challenges and opportunities. Success in the coming years will depend on his ability to instill confidence, develop players, and navigate the evolving Pac-12 landscape.