Since 2026
Became Missouri State's head coach in Dec. 2022 at age 33, the youngest in school history, and led the Bears through their FCS-to-FBS transition into Conference USA. A defensive-minded coach who built his reputation on player development; hired by Coastal Carolina days after Tim Beck's Nov. 30 firing.
Record & context
Lifetime record19–16 (3 seasons, Missouri State)
Current program1st season at Coastal Carolina
Years in system—
ATS contextNo single published career ATS figure Coastal Carolina finished 2025 at 6-6 (5-3 Sun Belt) under Beck, bowl- eligible but closing on a 3-game losing streak that included a 59-10 loss to James Madison — the specific collapse that triggered his firing just before the bowl game.
Previous season6-6 (5-3 Sun Belt)
Compensation
Salary$800K
SourceCoach salary per HERO Sports/USA Today (reported first-year figure; Beard made $450K at Missouri State in 2025). Coastal Carolina has not disclosed a team NIL figure. The program i
Designationreported
Confidence—
Figures are labeled by designation. Estimated values are not official contract terms.