Dan Beard returns in 2016 as the graduate assistant football coach at Shippensburg University. Beard will continue to help coach the defensive backs and also fill valuable roles in recruiting, video coordination, breakdown, practice preparation and scouting.
In 2015, Shippensburg’s defense led NCAA Division II with a +20 turnover margin – a feat that included 20 interceptions. All four starting members of the SU secondary finished the season with multiple interceptions, while SU’s defense tied a school record with three “pick-sixes” on the year.
Beard, a USA-W Level 1 certified strength coach, joined the Red Raiders after two seasons at McDaniel College in Maryland, where he coached the linebackers and served as an assistant strength coach and the team’s community service coordinator.
With the Green Terror, Beard instructed a group of linebackers that forced 14 turnovers and a safety while instructing an All-Centennial Conference performer during the 2013 season.
Prior to McDaniel, Beard coached two seasons at Allegheny College. With the Gators, Beard coached outside linebackers and coordinated the team’s strength and conditioning program during the 2012 campaign. That season, Allegheny earned an overtime victory over No. 7-ranked Wabash College.
Beard began his post-collegiate work in 2011 as a strength and conditioning intern at James Madison University, working with the baseball, softball, track & field, men’s soccer and men’s tennis programs. He provided general aid for the athletic program’s speed and agility training and was integral in designing and instructing team workout and weightlifting sessions.
His extensive strength and conditioning experience also includes an internship at Elite Sports Performance. He has also been active in camp instruction, serving four years at the University of Connecticut’s Randy Edsall Football Camp.
A native of Manchester, Md., Beard played his high school football at Delone Catholic under Pennsylvania High School Hall of Fame head coach Dennis Frew. He played collegiately at Shenandoah, serving as a linebacker and defensive end in his final three seasons.
With the Hornets, Beard was named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team and twice selected to the USA South All-Academic Team. Following his senior season, Beard was presented with the Walter Barr Unsung Hero Award and the USA South Athletic Conference All Sportsmanship Team Award.
A 2011 graduate of Shenandoah, Beard earned his bachelor of science in kinesiology and exercise science. In July, Beard earned a master’s degree in exercise science and physical education from McDaniel.
Beard is now enrolled in the Organizational Development & Leadership program at Shippensburg, concentrating in communications.
Coach Dan Beard — August 2016
