From defensive backs to leading Missouri State University, Ryan Beard’s coaching journey continues at Coastal Carolina, where he will serve as the fifth head football coach. “We landed one of the nation’s best young coaches to be the head coach of our football team,” Chance Miller, the vice president for intercollegiate athletics and university recreation said. “Teal Nation will love Ryan Beard’s energy, work-ethic and passion, and he is the perfect leader for this program.”
Beard arrived in Conway after spending three seasons as the head coach for Missouri State University (MSU), finishing with a 19-16 overall record. In 2025, MSU was 7-6 in their first season at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level after a bowl game loss.
“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 with our student-athletes, staff and supporters as we build on the strong foundation already in place. The future here is extremely bright.”
Before becoming a head coach, Beard worked as a defensive assistant at several programs, including Western Kentucky University, University of Louisville and Central Michigan University. He also played college football as a defensive back at Western Kentucky.
“Coach Beard is a leader of character, energy and vision,” Coastal Carolina University President, James Winebrake said. “His commitment to student-athlete success, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with the mission and values of our university. We look forward to supporting him as he guides Chanticleer football into its next chapter of excellence.”
Since taking the job at Coastal, Beard has begun building his coaching staff for the 2026 season, bringing along several coaches from Missouri State.
Nick Petrino, who spent six seasons at MSU, was hired as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Petrino helped lead the Missouri State offense during their transition to the FBS competition. L.D. Scott, who also coached at Missouri State alongside Beard, was named defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
Other offensive staff additions include Nick Gilbert as offensive line coach, Everette Sands as running backs coach, Ronnie Fouch as tight ends coach and David Clowney as the wide receiver coach.
Nelson Fishback joined the staff as the special teams coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach after previously coaching at New Mexico State University.
The Chanticleers also added several analysts and operations staff members to assist with recruiting, scouting and team organization.
Those hired include CJ Schrimpf as director of football operations, Hunter Crabtree as offensive senior analyst, Dalton Franks as defensive senior analyst, Carter Barnard as special teams analyst. In addition, retention hires Trey Carter and Grayson McCall as offensive analysts and Scott Aligo as general manager and recruiting lead.
With his staff continuing to take shape, Beard will begin preparing Coastal Carolina football for the 2026 season.
