Just what the Beavers needed: a hard working, cerebral coach who wants to be there. Thanks for the back story. Beaver 🦫 fans should be excited about Coach Shepherd.
Thanks John! I appreciate the way you tell a story. This was a more thoughtful and creative way to introduce coach than the typical coverage. Great job.
You have a remarkable way to give your dedicated readers “Goosebumps” with your innate ability to weave a heartwarming story !…. One thing I noticed in Coach Shephard’s pictures is the absolute “Bling” in JaMarcus’s eyes , which is VERY telling ! When I was a CO in the military , I always looked for that “gleam” of determination in the eyes of my interviewee- the “3rd dimension” as I called it !…the owner always turned out to be an outstanding Leader !….. Shephard HAS the 3rd Dimension ! He WILL WIN, for Oregon State University !
The enthusiasm is contagious. OSU football is gonna see a big bump in recruiting, donor engagement, ticket sales, etc. If the sky's the limit, we're gonna touch the moon.
I haven't seen Beaver Nation this excited about a hire since Dennis Erickson.
Corvallis is such a culinary hotbed that on Cyber Monday, only ONE real restaurant (not fast food or pizza) is open. We were at Castro in downtown Corvallis to celebrate my wife's birthday when Shephard and family, with the OSU entourage in tow, entered the restaurant. People clapped. Everyone smiled. I hope he gets the same response on Cyber Monday 2026.
I can't help but think what it must be like for his (first-time head coach) family to suddenly be the most popular thing in a new town. Hope they make the most of it!
If you could pick who you wanted to play for, as an athlete, it would be someone just like JaMarcus. Someone who cheerfully fought through a childhood of poverty and always ended on top is inspiring for any athlete, but especially those who had a lot less growing up. I think that is the big disconnect with typical HCs and why recruiting and inspiring those poorer players can be a challenge (though NIL and rev-share is relieving the financial mismatch). This HC background is different at Oregon State. No other football HC had this background (maybe not in any sport, not sure about Craig Robinson; seems like his was a middle class upbringing in Chicago). I think the future looks very bright at OSU with this leadership.
So pumped for Beaver Nation! I was at parent's weekend at UW in Kalen Deboer's first year. Deboer spoke at an assembly and it was kind of a snooze fest, then JaMarcus Shephard took the mic and the the energy level went up 10x!
John, are you trying to kill me with these stories? I was already jacked out of my mind for his arrival, and now you provide an inspiring back story? How am I supposed to concentrate on other important matters like my fantasy football teams with this moving journey in my head? Evil, just plain evil lol!
Husky fan here - Shephard sounds like he will be able to recruit- who wouldn’t feel good about sending their son to play for him? I would! He needs to get a “foot in the door”, and OSU needs to be competitive in NIL. I’m pulling for him and the Beavers.
With his story that you shared with us, John, it sounds like if anyone can bring the Beavs back it's this amazing JaMarcus. How can anyone not be impressed by his fortitude. I wish him continued success on his life's journey.
I'd wish JaMarcus good luck, but it sounds like he makes his own with hard work and intelligence. Based on his history, I'm hopeful he has what it takes to resurrect OSU from the football abyss.
Thanks John for sharing the story and pics. Great looking family. I hope they come to love Corvallis as I still do. Beaver nations welcomes them and we all are pulling for Coach JaMarcus to apply his energy (something that was missing this past season) and make us winners again.
Just what the Beavers needed: a hard working, cerebral coach who wants to be there. Thanks for the back story. Beaver 🦫 fans should be excited about Coach Shepherd.
I know I am, Clyde.
Thanks John! I appreciate the way you tell a story. This was a more thoughtful and creative way to introduce coach than the typical coverage. Great job.
that so true!
John.
You have a remarkable way to give your dedicated readers “Goosebumps” with your innate ability to weave a heartwarming story !…. One thing I noticed in Coach Shephard’s pictures is the absolute “Bling” in JaMarcus’s eyes , which is VERY telling ! When I was a CO in the military , I always looked for that “gleam” of determination in the eyes of my interviewee- the “3rd dimension” as I called it !…the owner always turned out to be an outstanding Leader !….. Shephard HAS the 3rd Dimension ! He WILL WIN, for Oregon State University !
His finger is on the pulse of humanity. Pulitzer Prize journalist in my estimation. 💯
"I want this job!" JaMarcus Shephard
"Can I be honest with you?" The team: "Yes Sir!"
The enthusiasm is contagious. OSU football is gonna see a big bump in recruiting, donor engagement, ticket sales, etc. If the sky's the limit, we're gonna touch the moon.
I haven't seen Beaver Nation this excited about a hire since Dennis Erickson.
Good column John. As a very long time Duck fan, I want to see an OSU success.
Thank you!
then maybe we can have great civil war games again, is it still called the civil war this week?
Corvallis is such a culinary hotbed that on Cyber Monday, only ONE real restaurant (not fast food or pizza) is open. We were at Castro in downtown Corvallis to celebrate my wife's birthday when Shephard and family, with the OSU entourage in tow, entered the restaurant. People clapped. Everyone smiled. I hope he gets the same response on Cyber Monday 2026.
I can't help but think what it must be like for his (first-time head coach) family to suddenly be the most popular thing in a new town. Hope they make the most of it!
Beaver Nation should feel great about JaMarcus being at the helm.
The NewPac is better today
Beaver Nation always finds something wrong with their teams.
Look in the mirror - you will see plenty of faults.
If you could pick who you wanted to play for, as an athlete, it would be someone just like JaMarcus. Someone who cheerfully fought through a childhood of poverty and always ended on top is inspiring for any athlete, but especially those who had a lot less growing up. I think that is the big disconnect with typical HCs and why recruiting and inspiring those poorer players can be a challenge (though NIL and rev-share is relieving the financial mismatch). This HC background is different at Oregon State. No other football HC had this background (maybe not in any sport, not sure about Craig Robinson; seems like his was a middle class upbringing in Chicago). I think the future looks very bright at OSU with this leadership.
Come now! Wasn’t Kiffin raised in poverty?!!??!! lol, being sarcastic.
Should be interesting if an NFL coach's son, who always saw the best of the best, can recruit talent to CSU.
So pumped for Beaver Nation! I was at parent's weekend at UW in Kalen Deboer's first year. Deboer spoke at an assembly and it was kind of a snooze fest, then JaMarcus Shephard took the mic and the the energy level went up 10x!
This Duck Fan loves the hire. I think OSU got it right. The new PAC12 has its first tentpole - and it's in Corvallis.
Thank you!
John, are you trying to kill me with these stories? I was already jacked out of my mind for his arrival, and now you provide an inspiring back story? How am I supposed to concentrate on other important matters like my fantasy football teams with this moving journey in my head? Evil, just plain evil lol!
good one, Don
Husky fan here - Shephard sounds like he will be able to recruit- who wouldn’t feel good about sending their son to play for him? I would! He needs to get a “foot in the door”, and OSU needs to be competitive in NIL. I’m pulling for him and the Beavers.
Welcome to Oregon and to OSU, Shephard Family.
With his story that you shared with us, John, it sounds like if anyone can bring the Beavs back it's this amazing JaMarcus. How can anyone not be impressed by his fortitude. I wish him continued success on his life's journey.
I'd wish JaMarcus good luck, but it sounds like he makes his own with hard work and intelligence. Based on his history, I'm hopeful he has what it takes to resurrect OSU from the football abyss.
Thanks John for sharing the story and pics. Great looking family. I hope they come to love Corvallis as I still do. Beaver nations welcomes them and we all are pulling for Coach JaMarcus to apply his energy (something that was missing this past season) and make us winners again.