Executive Insider: Ryan Beard

The exit of Bobby Petrino as head football coach at Missouri State University in December and promotion of defensive coordinator Ryan Beard to the role a day later felt like a whirlwind to the program’s new leader.

That’s not to say Beard wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility, recalling he couldn’t get on the phone quick enough with MSU President Clif Smart and Director of Athletics Kyle Moats to express his desire for the job and that the university and Springfield was where he wanted to be. The swift decision from the administration was the answer Beard wanted to hear, but also was one he admits took a bit to process.

“The first time I got to really take a breath and realize what just happened was probably spring break,” he says, adding he took his wife, Katie, and their four children on vacation for a few days. “It was the first time I could take a deep breath, take it all in and digest what had transpired the last few months. I know it sounds crazy as that was two months after I got the job, but everything happened so quickly.”

His four-year contract runs through Jan. 14, 2027, with an annual base salary of $275,000, plus additional incentives and benefits.

“I always wanted to be a head coach. I’ve had that on my mind since the day I got into the coaching profession,” says Beard, 33, the program’s 22nd head coach, and likely the youngest, according to MSU officials. “It suits me well. Some of my assets as a person shine through in the role of a head coach.”

Walking into Beard’s office in the Forsythe Athletics Center on MSU’s campus, two passions are apparent: family and football. Framed photos of his family, along with artwork from one of his children, are prevalent in his space that’s a short walk away from Robert W. Plaster Stadium, where the football Bears play their home games.

Beard says he occasionally had conversations with Petrino, his father-in-law, about what he wanted his future to look like. Petrino, who initially left MSU for an offensive coordinator position at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, is now in the same role at Texas A&M. Beard began work at MSU in 2020 and helped lead the Bears to two NCAA FCS playoff appearances. The team grabbed a share of its first conference championship in 30 years during Petrino’s tenure, and the trophy now sits prominently on a bookcase in Beard’s office.

“Two words fit me pretty well: passion and energy,” Beard says of his coaching style, noting it extends to his life in general. “Everyone should find their purpose in life and do that. Find something that you wake up and you enjoy doing. That makes you better at whatever you’re doing.”

When it comes to football, Beard considers himself very intense.

“There’s an old saying, ‘When it’s time to play, play hard. When it’s time to work, work hard.’ When you step on those lines, it turns on,” he says, snapping his fingers. “It’s time to work and do things the right way and live up to the standard that you talk about.”

Ronnie Fouch, co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach at MSU, said he’s known Beard since 2017. The two shared an office then at the University of Louisville, where they both were on the coaching staff.

“We’re really close and worked up the ranks together,” Fouch says. “He’s a straightforward guy and he means what he says. He really cares about the guys, which aligns with how I feel.”

Exactly as Beard described himself, Fouch says Beard is energetic and passionate about his work.

“He really brings out the life in guys on the field and shows his emotion, getting enthusiastic and chest bumping,” Fouch says, noting Beard’s interest in the players extends to helping them become more responsible in the community. “But he also knows how to demand and confront the details of what our defense or offense requires.”

Prior to his start in coaching in 2012, Beard was a standout player at Western Kentucky University. He was a defensive back from 2007-11 at the school where he was a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and named to the league’s All-Freshmen and All-Academic teams.

Beard, who holds two degrees from Western Kentucky – a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in recreation and sports administration – says few people know he was studying veterinary medicine in college before fully committing to football, noting he loves horses and other large animals. He had played three seasons as a starter on the team and learned pre-vet clinicals were scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, both important football practice days. He sat down with his coach and realized his love for football superseded his interest in becoming a veterinarian.

“I put myself into it at that point. Football was a love of mine and enjoyed doing it,” he says. “I took 18 hours that summer and switched to a business degree.”

Sports have been part of Beard’s life for as long as he can remember, adding as a child he played soccer, baseball and football, as well as participated in karate.

“It was anything and everything my mom could do to keep me busy. I was that kid,” he says. “I needed to be going. I was always high motor. Whatever I do, I kind of do it hard and fast and with everything that I have. That’s kind of who I am in regard to even how I coach. You’ll get everything I’ve got. Whatever I do, I try to do it to the best of my ability.”

Growing up in a sports family, he says dinner table discussions are frequently sports related.

“It’s kind of ingrained in who we are,” Beard says, noting he and his wife, a former collegiate golfer, have even taken up pickleball. “Anything you can compete in, I’m game.”

It’s hard to imagine Beard has much time for other athletic pursuits outside of work these days, as he and Katie are raising four children all under the age of 5, including two 1-year-old twins. Beard says when he’s not working, you could often find him spending time in the backyard playing ball with his kids or pushing them on the swing set.

“I can’t even put it into words what being a dad is and how much it has changed my life,” he says. “I couldn’t have a better life partner than Katie. She’s brilliant; she’s beautiful and an unbelievable mom. She’s just a warrior at home for us. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for Katie, that’s for sure.”

Beard incorporates a “family first” mentality at MSU, noting it’s not unusual to see his children running through the halls outside the coaches’ offices or on the practice field.

“My guys know that if there’s anything that comes up with your family, it’s not negotiable; you go do it,” he says.

The importance of family and giving full effort to all that you do was instilled at an early age by his parents, Beard says.

“They taught us what it takes to be successful. You can’t just show up and wish it into existence,” he says. “There’s a term we use around the house: Never be too big to make the coffee.”

It’s a philosophy he applies to the young coaches on his staff.

“No matter what your role is in the organization, add value,” he says, whether that’s carrying a positive attitude or suggesting ideas at staff meetings. “Make yourself an asset.”