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  • Coastal Carolina Hires Ryan Beard After His Successful FBS Transition Of Missouri State

Coastal Carolina Hires Ryan Beard After His Successful FBS Transition Of Missouri State

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Football

(BCSNN) - Coastal Carolina University has hired Ryan Beard as its new head football coach, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Chance Miller announced. Beard becomes the fifth head coach in Chanticleer history, arriving from Missouri State after guiding the Bears through a successful transition to the FBS.

“We landed one of the nation’s best young coaches to be the head coach of our football team,” Miller said. “Teal Nation will love Ryan Beard’s energy, work ethic and passion. His track record of elevating teams, maximizing talent, and developing student-athletes speaks for itself.”

Beard, 36, compiled a 7–5 record in Missouri State’s inaugural FBS season in 2025, earning the program’s first bowl berth in the Xbox Bowl. The Bears finished second in Conference USA in total defense and rushing defense, and eight players earned postseason honors.

Beard was promoted to Missouri State head coach in December 2022 at age 33, making him the youngest in program history. He previously served three seasons as defensive coordinator under Bobby Petrino, helping the Bears reach consecutive FCS playoff appearances for the first time in 30 years. His defenses produced four All-Americans, 18 all-conference players, and three NFL prospects.

Missouri State’s rise under Beard included an 8–4 campaign in 2024, when the Bears ranked among the nation’s leaders in passing offense, total offense, and scoring. The team also led the Missouri Valley Football Conference in sacks per game and ranked top 25 nationally in turnover margin.

Beard’s coaching résumé includes stops at Louisville, Central Michigan, and Western Kentucky, where he worked with future NFL stars such as Jaire Alexander. He has built a reputation as a strong recruiter, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast, and Coastal Carolina expects his player development and talent evaluation skills to translate quickly in Conway.

“Coach Beard is a leader of character, energy, and vision,” said Coastal Carolina President Dr. James J. Winebrake. “His commitment to student-athlete success, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with the mission and values of our University.”

Beard expressed excitement about joining the Chanticleers. “It’s an incredible honor to be named the head football coach at Coastal Carolina University,” Beard said. “This program has built a national reputation for competitiveness, toughness, and doing things the right way. My family and I are excited to join the Coastal community, and I’m eager to get to work.”

A native of Bowling Green, Ky., Beard was a standout defensive back at Western Kentucky from 2007–11, earning All-Sun Belt honors and WKU’s Iron Man Award. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WKU. He and his wife, Katie, have four children: Beau, Lainey, and twins Jacob and Kailey.