Veteran college football coach endorses JaMarcus Shephard hire: ‘I just like the guy’

Oregon State University has appointed JaMarcus Shephard as the new head coach of its football program. Shephard, who previously served as an assistant coach at Alabama, was selected from a pool of eight candidates by a search committee that included former OSU coach Mike Riley and ex-wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The decision was ultimately made by OSU Athletic Director Scott Barnes.

Shephard's appointment comes as Oregon State aims to establish itself in the newly restructured Pac-12 conference starting in 2026. The program is currently navigating challenges such as NIL deals, the transfer portal, and internal departmental changes. Shephard plans to bring in experienced assistants and will focus on hiring a general manager to handle contracts and player evaluations, a move supported by Riley.

Shephard's leadership style is characterized by his energy, vision, and ability to connect with people, which are seen as vital for addressing the program's current challenges and fostering player retention. Oregon State, with a current