Oregon State Targets JaMarcus Shepard as Next Head Coach

Oregon State University is moving forward in its search for a new head football coach, reportedly targeting JaMarcus Shepard, currently an assistant coach at the University of Alabama. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the announcement could be forthcoming following Thanksgiving.

Shepard serves as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Crimson Tide, alongside his role as assistant head coach. He emerged as a key candidate for the Oregon State position, particularly after Brent Vigen, the head coach at Montana State University, reaffirmed his commitment to his current role on November 26, 2025.

While an Oregon State spokesperson did not respond immediately to a request for comment, sources within the program suggest that an announcement regarding the head coaching vacancy is expected soon. Vigen’s public declaration of loyalty to Montana State has seemingly cleared the path for Shepard to take the lead in the race for the position.

Shepard’s coaching career includes significant achievements under renowned head coach Kalen DeBoer, both at Alabama and previously at the University of Washington. This season, he has co-led the offensive strategies at Alabama with Ryan Grubb. His prior experience as the pass-game coordinator at Washington saw him play a vital role in developing an offense that averaged the third-highest passing yards in the nation at 343.7 yards per game.

During his tenure at Washington, Shepard contributed to the team’s success in reaching the 2023 College Football Playoff, culminating in a national championship appearance. The Huskies, seeded second in the bracket, triumphed over Texas before eventually falling to Michigan in the title game.

Before joining Washington, Shepard was the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Purdue University from 2018 to 2021, and he held the position of receivers coach at Washington State University in 2016. His coaching career began in 2011 as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky, marking the start of his ascent in college football coaching.

As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on Shepard, who appears to be leading the charge for the head coach position at Oregon State, a program eager for revitalization following a challenging season.