Famed Football Coach Shot, Killed on Campus
On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, the Oakland community was shaken by the tragic shooting of John Beam, a longtime football coach and athletic director at Laney College. Beam, who gained national recognition through the Netflix series "Last Chance U," was reportedly shot in the head on the college campus and died the following day. The incident has left many asking how a beloved mentor and community figure became the target of such violence, raising urgent questions about campus safety and the motives behind the attack.
A Beloved Coach and Mentor
John Beam's impact on Oakland's sports and education scene spanned decades. Before his tenure at Laney College, Beam was the head football coach at Skyline High School from 1987 to 2003, where he led the team to 15 Oakland Athletic League titles. His success and dedication to mentoring young athletes earned him a revered status in the community. Later, Beam took the helm at Laney College, coaching the Eagles football team until 2024, when he retired from coaching to focus on his role as athletic director. His work was spotlighted in the 2020 season of "Last Chance U," a Netflix documentary series that follows community college athletes overcoming personal struggles to succeed on the field.
According to PEOPLE, Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a "giant in Oakland" — a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands of young people. His influence extended beyond the football field, shaping leaders and providing guidance to countless students. Beam's presence was a constant source of support and inspiration, making the news of his shooting all the more devastating to the community.
The Shooting and Arrest
The shooting occurred at Laney College's field house, a location Beam frequented daily. Police confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus. The suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., a 27-year-old Skyline High School alumnus, was arrested before dawn at the San Leandro Bart station, ending an urgent manhunt. Authorities described the shooting as a "targeted" attack, noting that Beam and Irving were acquainted but not close, as reported by The Guardian. The suspect reportedly came to the campus for a "specific reason," though police have not disclosed further details about the motive. According to police, Irving was frequently seen lingering near Laney College, adding to the questions about campus access and security.
This arrest came just one day after Beam had voiced concerns about campus safety during a meeting with Laney College administrators. He urged the reinstatement of armed security guards, citing a history of thefts at the field house where he worked, as reported by The Guardian. Beam expressed frustration that stolen items were never recovered and that no suspects had been identified by the college's unarmed security force. The college district had ended its partnership with the Alameda County sheriff's office five years earlier, shifting to an unarmed security team, a move Beam questioned in terms of its effectiveness.
Campus Safety Under Scrutiny
Beam's concerns about security highlight a broader issue facing many educational institutions across the United States. The shooting at Laney College is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence on school and college campuses nationwide. The shift from armed to unarmed security at Laney College, intended to reduce tensions and costs, may have inadvertently left the campus vulnerable. Beam's call for armed guards was a plea for stronger protection, underscoring the challenges administrators face in balancing safety with community trust.
The fact that the suspect was reportedly known to loiter near the campus but was allegedly not enrolled raises questions about access control and monitoring. How could someone with no official ties to the college spend time on campus without intervention? This incident may prompt Laney College and other institutions to reevaluate their security policies and consider more robust measures to protect staff and students alike.
The Mystery of the Motive
Despite the arrest, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Police have described the incident as targeted but have not elaborated on the reasons behind the attack. The relationship between Beam and Irving was reportedly distant, which adds to the intrigue. Why would a man known to the coach but not close to him come to campus with the intent to kill?
This unanswered question fuels curiosity and concern. Was this an act of personal vendetta, a dispute gone tragically wrong, or something more complex? The community, still grieving, is left to grapple with these uncertainties while seeking justice for Beam's death.
Remembering John Beam
As the investigation continues, tributes have poured in from both professional and high school sports communities. Beam's legacy as a mentor and leader is firmly established, and his death is a profound loss for Oakland. His dedication to shaping young lives, both on and off the field, is a testament to the power of sports as a force for good.
For those who knew him, Beam was more than a coach — he was a guiding light, a source of hope, and a steadfast supporter of his community. His story reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding those who dedicate themselves to nurturing the next generation.
References: Last Chance U' Coach and Athletic Director Shot on Oakland College Campus | Suspect arrested in shooting death of beloved Oakland football coach | Oakland | John Beam Shooting Suspect Charged with Murder After Former Football Coach Is Fatally Shot
