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Ryan Beard sudden departure to become the new coach at Coastal Carolina comes at a time where the Missouri State Football Program is enjoying the greatest turn around in school history during his 3-year tenue which saw team go 19-16 overall and qualify to play in a bowl game after finishing 7-5 after their first season in Football Bowl Sub-Division.

It’s very difficult and disappointing after a short-but-historic three-season run at Missouri State that Coach Beard is off to a new challenge but not surprising considering that there are more attractive college head coaching jobs that are currently available with better infrastructure and money to offer for a better salary. Moving Forward the Bears now have to find a new coach but they also need to continue the momentum that Coach Beard started 3 years ago. Here are names they could consider:

Nick Hill

Southern Illinois University

Nick just finished his 10th season as head coach in 2025 and has elevated his alma mater into one of the elite programs in FCS Football. While his recorded at 55-61 is not something to be impressed, he has made the FCS Playoffs three times in his tenure in the perhaps the toughest Football Conference the Missouri Valley Conference. During his tenue his team has beaten FBS teams like Northwestern and Northern Illinois. He’s only 40, he is an offensive-minded guy who fits the profile many teams are targeting, and Missouri State will target

DeSean Jackson

Delaware State

The former NFL Pro Bowler took over a program that only one two seasons into a season which the team went 8-4 and finished second in the Mid Easten Athletic Conference, the program’s best record since 2007. He’s only spent one year as a head coach but his impact renewed confidence of his players and the football program. He is currently being mentioned as the next head coach at Sacramento State University which is planning to move up into the Football Bowl Subdivision and while he might need to coach a little longer at Delaware State he should get a look as the next head coach at Missouri State.

Anthony Becht

St. Louis Battlehawks United Football League

Becht has seen quite a bit of success as coach of St. Louis Battlehawks when the team was rebirthed in 2023. He has a 22-8 record in the regular season, with two playoff appearances and two conference titles under his belt. Becht Battlehawks have sent several players to the NFL, including Jacob Saylors, LaCale London, Andre Szmyt, and Nick Whiteside to name a few. Last year, he was pushing to get the job at West Virginia University and recently at University of South Florida. Becht will be considered as the next coach at Missouri State.

Mike Shanahan

Offensive Coordinator Indiana University

No relation to former NFL coach Mike Shanahan, is currently the offensive coordinator for the Indiana Hoosiers and is a part of College Football greatest turnarounds Under Coach Curt Cignett. Shanahan’s Hoosiers offensive averaged 41.3 points, 261.3 yards passing and 165.1 yards rushing per game in 2024 on the way to the College Football Playoffs. This season the Hoosiers finished undefeated and quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy under offensive play calling of Mike Shanahan. He’s a long shot but it might be worth getting him a call.

Case Woods

Offensive Coordinator SMU

Case Woods is known for leading successful offenses at SMU. The Mustangs reached the College Football Playoff and won the ACC conference title in 2024. He previously was a tight ends coach at Missouri and UAB and praised for developing talent and running explosive offenses, with his offenses consistently ranking high in scoring and yards. Woods was in the mix to be the head coach at UAB but was given to Alex Mortensen. A program that’s in a state where he has experience could make sense.