SEC coach bolts for new college football program weeks before CFP Playoff: Report

Oregon State has announced the hiring of Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its new head coach. The decision comes as a significant development ahead of the College Football Playoff selections on December 19. Shephard, who also holds the positions of assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Alabama, has agreed to a five-year deal with Oregon State.

Shephard brings extensive experience from his previous roles in the Pac-12 and the Northwest, having worked at Washington State in 2016 and serving on the Washington staff under Kalen DeBoer during their run to the national title game after the 2023 season. The transition could affect Alabama's coaching staff stability as they prepare for the upcoming Iron Bowl against Auburn, which could impact their chances of reaching the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.

The potential coaching change comes at a critical time, as the transfer portal window and recruiting activities might necessitate an immediate departure for Shephard. Despite this, Alabama