US coach featured on Netflix series shot on California school campus

November 14, 2025

John Beam, a 66-year-old former football coach and current athletic director at Laney College in Oakland, California, was shot on campus Thursday morning and transported to a hospital for treatment. The shooting occurred in the athletics building shortly before noon, prompting a campus-wide lockdown that was later lifted after police determined there was no ongoing threat. Beam gained national recognition through his appearance in Netflix's documentary series Last Chance U, which showcased his coaching career and the Laney Eagles football program.

Who is affected

John Beam, 66-year-old athletic director and former football coach at Laney College
Students, staff, and faculty at Laney College who experienced the lockdown
The Laney College athletic department
Former players who trained under Beam throughout his four-decade coaching career

What action is being taken

Police are searching for the unidentified attacker who is still on the run
Mr. Beam is receiving medical treatment at a hospital for his injuries
Law enforcement is investigating the incident

Why it matters

This shooting affects a respected figure in community college athletics who dedicated over 40 years to coaching in Oakland and has been instrumental in helping student-athletes succeed both on the field and in their post-athletic careers. Beam's influence extends beyond football, having coached 20 players who reached the NFL and over 100 who played Division 1, while emphasizing academic achievement and diverse career paths for his students. The incident also raises concerns about campus safety at community colleges and impacts a institution that serves as an educational gateway for many students in the Oakland area.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC