The college coaching carousel saw two new moves Friday.
In the early morning, Oregon State chose Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its next head coach and signed him to a five-year deal, per ESPN.
“I’m honored to lead the Oregon State University football program and to join a community that cares so deeply about its student-athletes,” Shephard said in a statement. “We will build a culture rooted in toughness, integrity, and relentless effort, and I’m excited to get to work with our players, staff, and supporters to write the next great chapter of Beaver football.”
Alabama wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard speaks to the media after the team’s spring NCAA college football practice, March 8, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. AP
Shephard, who was also Alabama’s assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, will be replacing Trent Bray, who was fired in October after holding a 5-14 record in his second season with the Beavers.
Oregon State is 2-9 this season and is navigating a financial shift following the original Pac-12 fracture.
Not long after, Vanderbilt committed to head coach Clark Lea, who was drawing interest from several suitors.
The university extended Lea, who took over the program in 2021, to six-year contract that includes a massive salary bump and additional resources to help the Commodores, who are in the middle of a historic season, continue to make waves in the SEC.
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea checks the video board against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
No. 14 Vanderbilt has enjoyed many firsts under Lea, including the program’s win over a No. 1 when it defeated Alabama last year.
The victory also sealed the first time Vanderbilt beat Alabama and Auburn in the same season since 1955.
The Commodores are in the College Football Playoff conversation but will need some help to get in since they rank 14th entering Saturday’s game against rival No. 19 Tennessee.
Several other vacancies remain at high-profile programs such as LSU, Penn State, Florida, Arkansas and more.
