Oregon State University is poised for a new era in football as it targets Alabama’s assistant head coach JaMarcus Shephard to take the reins. This development was reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, marking an exciting transition for the Beavers.
Shephard has made a notable impact at Alabama since joining Kalen DeBoer’s staff in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he has served as the assistant head coach, co-offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach. Under his guidance, the Crimson Tide offense has shone, currently ranking 25th nationally with an impressive 33.8 points per game and ninth in passing yards, averaging 292.5 per game. The standout performances from quarterback Ty Simpson this season are a testament to Shephard’s coaching prowess, and he aims to replicate this success in Corvallis.
Before his time at Alabama, Shephard developed his coaching credentials at Washington, where he worked alongside DeBoer as the assistant head coach, passing game coordinator, and wide receivers coach. His career launched at Northrop High School in Indiana, and he has since advanced through various collegiate programs, including Western Kentucky, Washington State, and Purdue.
As Shephard prepares to lead Oregon State into the reshaped Pac-12 conference—set to debut in 2026 with new rivals like Boise State and Colorado State—he inherits a program looking to redefine itself after the departure of former coach Trent Bray, who concluded his tenure with a 5-14 record in 19 games.
The Beavers are looking forward to a promising future under Shephard’s leadership, hoping to bolster their competitiveness in what is expected to be a challenging new landscape in college football.