Ryan Beard Chooses Coastal Carolina After Turning Down Missouri State’s $10M Offer

Missouri State thought it had its next several years locked up. After a successful jump from FCS to FBS and a 7–5 debut season, the school was ready to give head coach Ryan Beard a massive $10 million extension. Instead, Beard shocked the college football world by walking away and accepting the head coaching job at Coastal Carolina.

Ryan Beard’s move was first reported by CBS and later confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who noted that the 35-year-old coach had already finalized a deal with the Chanticleers. Coastal Carolina hired him to replace Tim Beck, hoping Beard can bring the same spark he brought to Missouri State.

And that spark was real. Ryan Beard went 19–16 overall and made history this fall, guiding the Bears through their first FBS season with seven wins — their best stretch in years and their first six victories over FBS opponents since 1990. Missouri State even earned a spot in the Xbox Bowl against Arkansas State. That kind of rise doesn’t go unnoticed, which is exactly why Coastal Carolina came calling.

Ryan Beard had been the centerpiece of Missouri State’s rebuild. Before becoming head coach, he joined the program in 2020 as defensive coordinator under Bobby Petrino — who also happens to be his father-in-law. Under Beard’s leadership, this year’s Bears finished second in Conference USA in total defense and rushing defense, going 5-0 in games where they held teams under 300 yards. Eight of his players earned postseason honors, highlighting his reputation for developing talent.

Missouri State’s offense wasn’t lacking either. Last season, the Bears finished 8–4 with top-30 national rankings in passing offense, total offense, and scoring. Beard also led the program to bowl games in each of his three seasons and brought in 29 new recruits for their first FBS run.

Beard’s coaching roots trace back to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he grew up. A standout defensive back at Bowling Green High School, he helped his team reach the Class 3A championship twice. He later played at Western Kentucky from 2007 to 2011, earning freshman and academic honors along with the team’s Iron Man Award.

His dream of reaching the NFL ended after a shoulder injury against LSU. Realizing his playing career was done, Beard approached then-WKU coach Willie Taggart about joining the staff — a decision that set his coaching journey in motion. Over the years, he served as an assistant at Louisville, Northern Michigan, Western Kentucky and Central Michigan before making his mark at Missouri State.

Ryan Beard often credits the discipline he learned growing up for his drive. His father worked long hours as a road contractor, and his siblings were highly competitive athletes themselves. Those early lessons pushed him toward a career built on toughness, consistency and player development.

Now, Ryan Beard gets a new challenge at Coastal Carolina. Missouri State did everything it could to keep him — even a $10 million offer wasn’t enough — but Beard said yes to a fresh opportunity. The Chanticleers believe he can elevate their program, and based on his track record, it’s hard to argue against it.

Coastal Carolina now has its new leader. Missouri State is back in search mode. And Ryan Beard steps into the next chapter of a career that still seems to be climbing.

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