Oregon State hires Alabama's Shephard as coach

Oregon State is hiring Alabama's co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its next head coach, the program announced Friday.

The two sides agreed on a five-year deal, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

"(Shephard's) character and persona are top-notch and genuine, which will make all of Beaver Nation proud," athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. "His values align perfectly as an exceptional leader who fosters a sincere connection with his student athletes.

"He has coached at the highest level, with stops in the Pacific Northwest, and I cannot wait to see him on the recruiting trail and leading our football program to immediate success."

Shephard is also assistant head coach and wide receivers coach with the Crimson Tide.

The 42-year-old followed Kalen DeBoer to Alabama in 2024 after serving as Washington's assistant head coach and wide receivers coach from 2022-23. He was previously Purdue's wide receivers coach from 2017-21 before joining DeBoer's staff in 2022.

Shephard has coached some of the best wide receivers in the country in recent years, including Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, Ja'Lynn Polk, Germie Bernard, and Ryan Williams.

He'll take over an Oregon State program that's 2-9. Head coach Trent Bray was fired in October after a 5-14 run in two seasons at the helm. The Beavers are 2-2 under interim head coach Robb Akey.