MSU football coach takes job in South Carolina

As the Missouri State University Bears football team heads to its first-ever bowl game next week, head coach Ryan Beard has accepted a new role in South Carolina.

Beard, who has led the MSU football team since late 2022, is headed to Conway, South Carolina-based Coastal Carolina University, for which he'll serve as head football coach of the Chanticleers, according to a news release. 

"We landed one of the nation's best young coaches to be the head coach of our football team," said Chance Miller, Coastal Carolina's vice president of intercollegiate athletics and university recreation, in the release. "Teal Nation will love Ryan Beard's energy, work ethic and passion, and he is the perfect leader for this program."

Beard has led the Bears this year in their first season as a member of Conference USA and as part of the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The team, 7-5 overall this season, is scheduled to play in the Xbox Bowl against Arkansas State University on Dec. 18. 

Nick Petrino, Bears offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach for the bowl game, said Rick Kindhart, MSU director of athletics communications and associate director of athletics.

MSU in December 2022 announced Beard, who was formerly the team's defensive coordinator, as head coach. He succeeded his father-in-law Bobby Petrino in the role, according to past reporting. 

In a statement posted to the MSU football team's Instagram page, MSU Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell thanked Beard for his time leading the Bears. 

"Coach Beard helped elevate our football program to unprecedented levels this season and played a pivotal role in our successful transition to the FBS level," Ransdell said in the post. "He and his family have become synonymous with Bears football on our campus and in our community, and we wish them success and happiness in their future endeavors."

Beard's contract at MSU points to a base salary of $450,000 starting Jan. 15, 2025.