JaMarcus Shephard Assembles Coaching Staff at Oregon State

JaMarcus Shephard, recently appointed as the head coach of Oregon State University’s football team, is in the process of forming his coaching staff, drawing heavily from his previous experience at the University of Alabama. Notably, Eron Hodges, the associate director of player personnel at Alabama, is set to become the general manager for the Beavers. This position was a critical factor in Shephard's negotiations with Oregon State, as he aims to enhance the program's operational structure.

Oregonian

Additionally, Mitch Dahlen, currently serving as the assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant offensive coordinator at Alabama, is expected to take on the roles of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oregon State. Dahlen has a strong connection to Oregon State, being a native of the state and the son of a former Beavers player. His coaching pedigree includes working with notable quarterbacks such as Jake Haener, Michael Penix Jr., and Jalen Milroe, all of whom have been drafted into the NFL.

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Torrey Gill, who has prior experience with Oregon State as a graduate assistant and interim running backs coach, is also anticipated to join Shephard’s staff as the wide receivers coach. Gill has been an offensive analyst and assistant wide receivers coach at Alabama, further solidifying the connection between the two programs.

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The hiring of Shephard and his staff from Alabama signifies a strategic shift for Oregon State’s football program. The integration of experienced personnel from a high-caliber program like Alabama could enhance the competitive edge of the Beavers in the Pac-12 Conference. Shephard's focus on building a robust coaching staff reflects his commitment to revitalizing the program and improving its performance on the field.

Oregonian

Shephard's introductory press conference is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, where he is expected to outline his vision for the team and discuss the forthcoming changes to the roster. The anticipation surrounding his hiring and the subsequent staff appointments indicates a renewed optimism among fans and stakeholders of Oregon State football.

Oregonian

While the appointments from Alabama have been met with enthusiasm, some critics question the reliance on a single program for staffing decisions. Concerns have been raised about the potential lack of diversity in coaching philosophies and strategies, which could impact the development of the team.

Oregonian

• “Having a general manager on staff was a crucial piece of Shephard’s negotiations with OSU, and Hodges brings a breadth of experience at several high-level programs.” — Source

Oregonian

• “Dahlen has worked with Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer all the way back to Fresno State.” — Source

Huntsville Times

• “Much of Dahlen’s family also attended the school.” — Source

Huntsville Times

As Shephard finalizes his coaching staff, further announcements regarding additional hires and player acquisitions from Alabama are expected in the coming days. The upcoming press conference will likely provide more insights into his plans for the Beavers moving forward.

Oregonian