Beloved Oakland Coach John Beam Dies After Targeted Shooting

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:21:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

John Beam, the admired football coach from Laney College and star of Netflix's 'Last Chance U,' was shot on campus and died shortly afterward. His impact on the community and athletes was profound.

John Beam, the former Oakland football coach featured in 'Last Chance U', passed away after a targeted shooting on the Laney College campus. Authorities arrested a suspect who knew Beam. Condolences poured in from the community, remembering Beam as a giant who shaped the lives of countless young athletes. Mayor Barbara Lee remarked on his tremendous influence and the tragic implications of the continuing violence in Oakland schools.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland’s esteemed former football coach John Beam, well-known for his appearance in Netflix's 'Last Chance U,' died Friday, just a day after being shot on the campus of Laney College where he worked. At 66 years old, Beam's life came to a tragic end following a targeted attack that has left the community in mourning.

Authorities have arrested a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Cedric Irving Jr., who knew Beam. The police confirmed that the shooting was planned, leading to a shocking response from the public who gathered outside the hospital for a vigil.

The incident has shocked Oakland, and Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a “giant” within the community who mentored a multitude of young athletes, including her own nephew. She highlighted the void left by Beam's absence, emphasizing how he dedicated over 40 years to nurturing leaders on and off the field.

“Our community is shaken alongside his family,” Mayor Lee stated. “For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field.”

Beam was also known for his close relationships with his players, particularly highlighted during the 2020 season of 'Last Chance U,' which documented the journeys of athletes aiming for redemption. His coaching career was marked by significant achievements, including winning two league championships and guiding numerous players to professional careers.

Former players such as Rejzohn Wright, currently with the New Orleans Saints, took to social media to express their grief, reflecting on the profound influence Beam had on their lives. “You mean the world to me,” Wright wrote alongside a cherished photo of the coach.

The shooting of Beam occurred just a day after another student was shot at Skyline High School in Oakland, raising alarms about the ongoing gun violence crisis impacting local schools. Officials indicated that while both incidents share tragic timing, there is no current evidence connecting the two.

As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to pay tribute to a coach who not only taught football but also instilled a sense of hope and purpose in the youth he mentored. John Beam will be remembered not just for his coaching success but for his undeniable impact on the lives of many.