Missouri State football coach Ryan Beard expressed excitement about the Bears’ move to Conference USA, but acknowledged the path to being competitive at the FBS level will come with challenges.
In a Zoom interview during a recruiting trip at Ohio State, Beard said the football program will begin offering recruits the opportunity to play football at the “highest level” when they begin play at CUSA in 2025. Stated.
“This is an interesting time for college sports, and we chose to continue our offense and make a great move for Missouri State,” Beard said. “Everyone in our organization is excited to get it into gear.”
Beard, who is in his second season, will be tasked with leading the Bears through a two-year transition period that will disqualify Missouri State from the FCS playoffs in the 2024 season and a bowl game in 2025. I will be liable.
Beard will soon be awarded 22 scholarships to meet FBS roster size standards, but it’s unclear when he will be able to use them. Once back in Springfield, further discussions will need to be held with Missouri State Director of Athletics Kyle Moats.
more:Missouri State says it’s time to think big and be bold as it makes the jump to Conference USA
Beard said he and his staff don’t do much to adjust who they target during the recruiting process. He believes his staff has developed a “real eye” for spotting talent and has targeted higher-profile recruits to get them to say “no.” He thought doing so would help the Bears acquire players in the future if those players were available and had previous relationships with the staff. The biggest adjustment going forward may be fewer players rejecting them.
In the meantime, the Beard will have to sell recruits on the idea of being a contender and trying to win every game without postseason pay. During a media relations session, his eyes lit up when he learned the Bears were still eligible to win the Missouri Valley Football Conference title this year.
“As coaches, that’s probably the biggest thing we have to work together on, and that starts with recruiting true competitors,” Beard said. “You don’t need a trophy on your wall, you don’t need someone pushing you to get you into the playoffs, you don’t need someone to push you to get you into the playoffs. You don’t need a trophy to put on your wall, you don’t need someone to push you to get you into the playoffs. You don’t need to be able to watch great film in the NFL and be in a place that loves you and cares about you and does what you want it to.” The ability to grow you and earn a meaningful degree is still valid.”
Beard preached that the plaster stadium needed renovations, but said the university would start with the first of several phases, including new locker rooms and weight rooms. The second is renovation work on the west side bleachers, and the third is renovation work on the press box. He credits local attorney Tom Strong, who donated $5 million to support the school’s transition, a portion of which went toward necessary renovations, as well as the Missouri state government for making the plan a reality. expressed his gratitude.
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These aren’t new aspirations for the Missouri State football program, but they’re things Conference USA hopes will come true. Since Beard stepped on campus as defensive coordinator under his father-in-law, Bobby Petrino, in January 2020, they have discussed several upgrades the school needs to be competitive in football. It’s here.
The changes Missouri State has made to help Petrino’s team be more competitive and reach the postseason twice have given Beard confidence in the school’s ability to succeed at the next level.
“The administration has supported us, but that doesn’t happen everywhere,” Beard said. “They’re committed to change. This is an opportunity for Missouri State to really get FBS football right. We can build it from the ground up. We have the facilities, the academic support, and the top level.” We can build it with everything the athletes need.” We have a chance to do that now, and it’s a fun time to be a part of it. ”
The coach admitted that after a 4-7 season, there were talks about a contract extension that would likely come with a big raise. He is in the second year of a four-year contract, but his annual salary of $275,000 is the lowest in the new league, which has at least one offensive coordinator.
more:How Missouri State’s freshmen reacted to the school’s move to Conference USA
Despite having no chance of making the playoffs, Missouri State has a competitive roster ahead of leaving the FCS and MVFC. Bears returning quarterback Jacob Clark was on pace to break his school record until suffering his season-ending shoulder injury. The Bears have a deep receiver room and a very young unit a year ago, but the defense is a year older.
Beard said he believes an agreement will be reached eventually and there is no need to rush. He said he still has a bad feeling after the team finished with four wins and seven losses.
“I love Missouri State and I love Springfield,” Beard said. “I believe that the foundation of Missouri State football will continue to grow every day. If we can do this right and be here with my family for a long time and win a lot of football games here in Springfield, I believe that the foundation of Missouri State football will continue to grow every day. I hope we can.” ”
