US football coach featured on Netflix dies after on-campus shooting

November 14, 2025

John Beam, a 66-year-old athletics director and former football coach who gained recognition through Netflix's Last Chance U documentary series, was fatally shot at Laney College in Oakland, California. Police arrested Cedric Irving Jr. , a suspect who knew Beam but never played for him and was not a Laney student, though authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack.

Who is affected

John Beam (victim, deceased)
Cedric Irving Jr. (arrested suspect)
Laney College students, staff, and athletics community
Skyline High School students who witnessed lockdowns at both schools on consecutive days
Former players including Rejzohn Wright (New Orleans Saints) and Nahshon Wright (Chicago Bears)
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and the broader Oakland community
Beam's family members

What action is being taken

Police are holding Cedric Irving Jr. in custody after arresting him at a bus stop
Oakland police are investigating the shooting and the suspect's motives
Laney College implemented a campus lockdown following the shooting

Why it matters

John Beam's death represents the loss of a transformative figure who dedicated over 40 years to mentoring Oakland youth, helping shape young people both athletically and personally. The incident highlights Oakland's ongoing gun violence crisis, with two school shootings occurring within 48 hours, creating a climate of fear where students experienced campus lockdowns on consecutive days. Beam's influence extended beyond his immediate community through his national visibility on Netflix, making him a role model who demonstrated commitment to underserved communities and the challenges they face.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC