John Beam
As the current Athletics Director and Head Football Coach at Laney College in Oakland, California, Coach John Beam’s remarkable coaching journey has featured a career spanning over 42 years and counting.
Coach Beam’s impact on the football landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early coaching days at Serra High (San Diego, CA) in the late 1970s to his tenure at Skyline High (Oakland, CA) from 1982 to 2004, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for nurturing talent and shaping young lives. However, it is his time at Laney College that has truly solidified his legendary status.
In 2018, Coach Beam orchestrated an unforgettable season, leading his team to a State Championship victory and earning the distinction of coaching the nation’s top-ranked team. As a testament to his coaching prowess, he was honored as the California Community College Football Coach of the Year. What sets Coach Beam apart is his unique distinction as the only coach in California history to receive both high school and junior college state coach of the year accolades.
The 2019 Laney football season was captured in the 2020 season of the hit Netflix documentary series, Last Chance U.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Coach Beam to delve into his remarkable personal background and unparalleled professional career.