Missouri State University will select its next head football coach

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (edited news release/KY3) – Missouri State University defensive coordinator Ryan Beard as its next head football coach.

The school will introduce Beard at a news conference on Monday. He replaces Bobby Petrino, who announced he was leaving the program to become UNLV’s offensive coordinator.

I look forward to working with Ryan in this capacity and continuing our success under his guidance,” said Moats. He is a young, dynamic coach who understands the nuances of today’s recruiting world. He has worked with some of the best coaches in college football during his coaching career including Willie Taggert, Jeff Brohm, Jim McElwain and of course Bobby Petrino. He loves Springfield and wants to lift our program to bigger and better things.

Beard joined the former coach Bobby Petrinos MSU staff at the start of 2020 and has played a significant role in Missouri State’s recent gridiron resurgence. He has led a Bears defensive unit that has boasted 14 all-conference selections, three All-Americans and two All-Pro players during his tenure as defensive coordinator while helping elevate the program to national status. In his first campaign in Springfield in 2020-21, Beard and his defensive unit broke the program record for sacks (27), committed 15 turnovers and held every MVFC opponent to under 30 points for the first time since 1989. That inaugural season culminated in the Bears owning a share of the Valley championship and earning an NCAA playoff berth for the first time in 30 years. In his second year, the Bears again broke the club record for sacks (30), racked up 25 takeaways and secured 15 interceptions. In addition to making its second straight NCAA playoff appearance in 2021, MSU finished second in MVFC scoring, ninth nationally in turnovers and 14th in steals per game. 2022 Bears defense giving up just 15.8 points per game over last four games on defensive end Kevin Ellis leading the nation in fumble recoveries and four MSU defenders earning all-conference honors.

Prior to joining Springfield, Beard served as an assistant coach at Central Michigan (2019), Louisville (2017-18) and Western Kentucky (2016) following a successful playing career at WKU that included two seasons on the All-Sun Belt Team. .

“It was important to me to maintain the continuity of this staff based on the team’s recent success,” Moats said. The strides we’ve made in recruiting under Ryans leadership have been significant and he understands what it takes to win in this league. Coach Beard was eager for the job and believes in Missouri State.

Beard, 33, becomes Missouri State’s 22nd head football coach.

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