Oregon State to hire Alabama co- OC JaMarcus Shephard as head coac

Oregon State is set to hire Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its next head football coach, according to a report from ESPN. Shephard, 42, will receive a five-year contract. Currently, he serves as Alabama's wide receivers coach and assistant head coach under Kalen DeBoer. Previously, Shephard worked with DeBoer at Washington as the assistant head coach, passing game coordinator, and wide receivers coach. This season, Alabama's offense is averaging 33.8 points per game, ranking sixth in the SEC, with a strong passing game led by quarterback Ty Simpson.

Shephard will replace Trent Bray, who was fired last month following a 5-14 record over two seasons, including a seven-game losing streak this season. Oregon State, now 2-9, concludes its 2025 season with a game at Washington State. Shephard's coaching experience also includes stints at Western Kentucky, Washington State, and Purdue