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JaMarcus Shephard has been named Oregon State University Head Football Coach, the 33rd in program history, Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced Friday.
“I’m extremely excited to announce JaMarcus Shephard as the head coach of the Oregon State football program,” Barnes said. “His character and persona are top-notch and genuine, which will make all of Beaver Nation proud. His values align perfectly as an exceptional leader who fosters a sincere connection with his student athletes. He has coached at the highest level, with stops in the Pacific Northwest, and I cannot wait to see him on the recruiting trail and leading our football program to immediate success.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Shephard to Oregon State University and Beaver Nation,” OSU President Jayathi Murthy said. “I strongly believe that his energy, enthusiasm and experience in winning programs will lead OSU football to success as we launch the new Pac-12 Conference and beyond.”
Shephard has coached at the University of Alabama for the last two years and most recently as the Assistant Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach. He also has previous coaching experience at the University of Washington (Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers) and Washington State University (Wide Receivers).
“I'm honored to lead the Oregon State University football program and to join a community that cares so deeply about its student-athletes,” Coach Shephard said. “We will build a culture rooted in toughness, integrity, and relentless effort, and I’m excited to get to work with our players, staff, and supporters to write the next great chapter of Beaver football.”
Shephard’s appointment is contingent on the completion of all university hiring processes.
He followed Head Coach Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa to join the Alabama coaching staff in February of 2024, serving as the Assistant Head Coach and Wide Receivers Coach. The Crimson Tide went 9-4 and Shephard helped Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams post standout first seasons.
Shephard was promoted to Assistant Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach for the 2025 season at Alabama and has helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 9-2 record, while averaging 33.8 points and 415.7 yards per game.
He worked the previous two seasons at the University of Washington as Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers. In 2023, the Huskies went 14-1, advanced to the CFP National Championship game and became the first team to go undefeated in Pac-12 play since the league expanded to 12 teams in 2011.
Source: Oregon State University