On Friday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that JaMarcus Shephard, the former wide receivers coach for the University of Washington, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Oregon State Beavers. Shephard spent two years on Montlake under head coach Kalen DeBoer, where he made significant contributions to the team’s wide receiving corps.
During his tenure at Washington, Shephard played a pivotal role in developing standout wide receivers Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, all of whom emerged as top prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The trio is projected to be selected in the first three rounds, showcasing Shephard’s coaching prowess. Following this success, he accompanied DeBoer to Alabama, where he was elevated to assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator while continuing to mentor wide receivers.
Shephard’s return to the Pacific Northwest appears to be a natural fit, as he previously served as the inside wide receivers coach at Washington State in 2016 before spending five years at Purdue. His hiring at Oregon State marks an exciting opportunity for the rising coaching star, who is poised to make an impact in the Pac-12.
Known for his infectious energy and passion, Shephard has consistently left a positive mark on players, recruits, the media, and the local community. If he can effectively recruit and achieve success with the Beavers, he is likely to become a sought-after name among programs in the Big Ten and SEC.
As the regular season draws to a close, Shephard may look to bring along some former members of Washington’s coaching staff from his time in Tuscaloosa to join him in larger roles at Oregon State. This move could further enhance the Beavers’ coaching staff and contribute to the program’s growth. With Shephard at the helm, Oregon State fans are optimistic about the future, eager to see how his leadership and experience will shape the team’s performance in the coming seasons.
