JaMarcus Shephard Named One of Two Options for Oregon State

Last week, Alabama co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers' coach JaMarcus Shephard was linked to the available job at Oregon State, which fired head coach Trent Bray in October after an 0-7 start for the Beavers. Oregon State won its next two games under interim head coach Robb Akey over Lafayette and Washington State, but lost its most recent two to Sam Houston and Tulsa.

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It appears that Shephard has impressed in his interviews with the Beavers, with Oregon State reporter Ryan Clarke of the Oregonian reporting that Shephard is one of two final candidates for the Beavers' head coaching vacancy, alongside Montana State head coach Brent Vigen. His report also indicates that Shephard spent time this week interviewing for the Oregon State head coaching vacancy.

Shephard, a 42-year-old assistant coach, has been a high-level assistant at three Power Four stops, acting as Purdue's passing game coordinator and wide receivers' coach in 2017 before elevating his title to co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers' coach with the Boilermakers from 2018-2021.

Shephard then joined Kalen DeBoer at Washington in 2022, where he was the Huskies' associate head coach, passing game coordinator, and wide receivers' coach in 2022 and 2023. He then followed DeBoer to Alabama, where he was named the Tide's associate head coach, co-offensive coordinator, and wide receivers' coach in February 2024. He coached Rondale Moore during Moore's best season at Purdue, where he caught 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018. At Washington, Shephard coached Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McLillan, who combined for 206 receptions, 3,358 yards, and 27 touchdowns as Washington won the Pac-12 and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Michigan.

Shephard has coached Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams during his two years so far with the Crimson Tide, with Bernard catching 98 passes for 1,470 yards and eight touchdowns over the last two seasons. Williams burst onto the scene as a freshman last year and has been a consistent option for the Tide in year two, catching 88 passes for 1,463 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Crimson Tide through his first two seasons.

Clarke reports that final interviews for Oregon State's head coaching vacancy are taking place this week, with a decision expected 'in the coming days,' from Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes. An introductory press conference won't be held until "early next week," according to the report.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.