JaMarcus Shephard went from earning $12,000 a year to one of college football’s toughest coaching jobs

Oregon State has appointed JaMarcus Shephard as its new head football coach, succeeding Trent Bray, who was dismissed last month. Athletic director Scott Barnes emphasized the need for integrity, recruiting ability, and experience on the West Coast in his search for a new coach. Shephard, 42, previously served as the assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator at Alabama and has experience with programs such as Washington and Washington State. Despite never having been a head coach, Shephard is recognized for his recruiting prowess and charismatic leadership.

Shephard becomes the first Black full-time head coach in Oregon State's 132-year football history. His appointment represents a departure from the program's traditional coaching lineage, which has often emphasized internal hires with deep roots in the program. This shift signals a readiness to innovate and adapt as the Beavers face significant challenges, including navigating the new Pac-12 landscape and revitalizing the team's performance and fan engagement.

Barnes is looking for rapid improvement rather than a