Oregon State hires Alabama assistant JaMarcus Shephard to take over struggling football program – Baltimore Sun
JaMarcus Shephard Hired as Oregon State’s New Head Football Coach
Oregon State University announced the hiring of JaMarcus Shephard as its new head football coach on Friday, following the firing of Trent Bray amidst a challenging 0-7 start to the season. Shephard, 42, arrives from Alabama, where he served as assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator under Kalen DeBoer. His coaching credentials also include noteworthy tenures at Washington, Purdue, Washington State, and Western Kentucky.
Oregon State’s athletic director, Scott Barnes, expressed enthusiasm about Shephard’s leadership qualities and genuine character, emphasizing how his values resonate with the community. “I cannot wait to see him on the recruiting trail and leading our football program to immediate success,” Barnes remarked.
In a statement, Shephard expressed his honor in leading the program, vowing to cultivate a culture based on toughness, integrity, and dedicated effort. He aims to unify players, staff, and supporters as they embark on a new chapter in Beaver football history.
The Beavers, struggling through their second consecutive losing season after Jonathan Smith’s departure for Michigan State, hold a 2-9 record as they prepare for their final game against Washington State. Bray, who briefly led the team to a strong 4-1 start last season, was let go after a disappointing series of losses. Shephard looks to rejuvenate the team as they navigate a temporarily independent schedule until a revamped Pac-12 resumes play in 2026.
Read the complete article here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/11/28/oregon-state-hires-alabama-assistant-jamarcus-shephard-to-take-over-struggling-football-program/
