While Tim Beck was only fired a week ago, there has already been plenty of movement during Coastal Carolina’s job search. Here are five names to watch:
Ryan Beard – Missouri State (Head Coach)
The skinny: After finishing his playing career at Western Kentucky, Beard became a grad assistant with the Hilltoppers in 2012. He has spent his career on the defensive side of the ball, with stops at Louisville, Central Michigan and then Missouri State in 2020. After three seasons as the program’s defensive coordinator, he became a head coach in 2023. He has led the Bears through their transition to the FBS and accumulated a 19-16 record in three seasons.
Beard has spent most of his coaching career in the Midwest, but is seen as a young (36), up-and-coming defensive mind. Getting Missouri State bowl eligible in their first FBS season is an impressive addition to his resume.
Jeremiah Johnson – Coastal Carolina (Defensive Coordinator)
The skinny: While this is Johnson’s first season at Coastal Carolina, he quickly proved himself throughout the program. This was shown when he was named the interim head coach after Beck’s firing.
Like Beard, Johnson has spent most of his career in the Midwest, until he became Louisiana Tech’s defensive coordinator in 2024. While he has garnered plenty of respect during his limited time with the Chanticleers, this shouldn’t be considered the program’s top target at this point. However, if they hit a dead end during their search, they may take a U-turn back to Johnson.
Mack Leftwich – Texas Tech (Offensive Coordinator)
The skinny: If Coastal Carolina wants to make a splash, then Leftwich should be made a priority. While he is only 31 years old, he has quickly risen the coaching ranks to become the offensive coordinator at No. 4 Texas Tech this season…