Ryan Beard, the fifth football head coach in Coastal Carolina program history, joined the Chanticleers in December 2025. He arrived in Conway after a rapid and highly successful rise through the collegiate coaching ranks, most recently serving as head coach at Missouri State University, where he earned national recognition as one of college football’s top young defensive minds.
Beard became Missouri State’s head coach in December 2022 at just 33 years old, becoming the youngest head coach in school history. Over the next three seasons, he led one of the most significant transformations in the program’s modern era, guiding the Bears from an FCS playoff contender to a competitive FBS program in its inaugural season at the highest level of college football.
In 2025, Missouri State completed its transition to the FBS and Conference USA under Beard’s leadership. The Bears posted a winning record in their first FBS season and earned the program’s first bowl appearance, marking a milestone moment in school history. Beard’s team was built on a strong defensive foundation, with Missouri State ranking among Conference USA leaders in total defense and rushing defense while consistently limiting opponent production.
Beard’s defensive pedigree was evident throughout his tenure. Prior to becoming head coach, he served as Missouri State’s defensive coordinator from 2020–22, overseeing a dramatic turnaround that returned the Bears to national relevance. His defenses ranked among the national leaders in sacks, tackles for loss, and takeaways, and helped guide Missouri State to back-to-back FCS playoff appearances for the first time in more than three decades.
During the 2024 season, Beard’s Bears finished with a winning record and earned a national ranking at the FCS level, with the defense leading the Missouri Valley Football Conference in sacks per game and ranking among the nation’s leaders in turnover margin. Multiple players earned all-conference and All-America recognition under his direction.
Before his time at Missouri State, Beard coached at several prominent programs, including Louisville (2017–18), Central Michigan (2019), and Western Kentucky (2016). His experience spans multiple conferences and levels of competition, including the ACC, MAC, and Conference USA, providing a strong foundation in recruiting, player development, and scheme implementation.
A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Beard played collegiately at Western Kentucky University, where he was a multi-year contributor in the secondary during the program’s transition to the FBS. He earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors during his playing career and was recognized with Western Kentucky’s Iron Man Award for toughness and durability.
Beard holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Western Kentucky. He and his wife, Katie, are the parents of four children: Beau, Lainey, and twins Jacob and Kailey.
THE BEARD FILE
- Born: 1989
- Hometown: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Wife: Katie
- Children: Beau, Lainey, Jacob, Kailey
- Education: Western Kentucky (Bachelor’s, Master’s)
- Year in Coaching: 14
BEARD’S COACHING CAREER
- 2012-15 — Western Kentucky (Graduate Assistant / Defensive Assistant)
- 2016 — Western Kentucky (Defensive Backs)
- 2017-18 — Louisville (Defensive Backs)
- 2019 — Central Michigan (Defensive Backs)
- 2020-22 — Missouri State (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2023 — Missouri State (Head Coach)
- 2024 — Missouri State (Head Coach)
- 2025 — Missouri State (Head Coach, FBS Transition / Bowl Appearance)
- 2026-pres. — Coastal Carolina (Head Coach)
BEARD’S HEAD COACHING RECORD
- 2023 — Missouri State (6-5, FCS)
- 2024 — Missouri State (8-4, FCS)
- 2025 — Missouri State (7-5, FBS, Xbox Bowl Appearance)
- Three Seasons — 21-14 (.600) Overall, FCS / FBS Transition
- Bowl Appearances: 1
