'Last Chance U' Coach John Beam Shot and Killed at Laney College

John Beam, the longtime football coach and athletic director at Laney College in Oakland, California, who gained national recognition through the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U, was shot in the head at the college’s field house on November 13, 2025, and died the following day. Beam had served as head football coach at Skyline High School from 1987 to 2003, winning 15 Oakland Athletic League titles, before taking over the Laney College Eagles football program and later transitioning to athletic director. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described him as “a giant in Oakland - a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands of young people.”

The Shooting and Arrest

The suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., 27, a Skyline High School alumnus, was arrested before dawn the following day at the San Leandro BART station. Police described the shooting as “targeted” and said Beam and Irving were acquainted but not close. Irving reportedly had no official ties to Laney College but was frequently seen lingering near campus. Police said the suspect came to the campus for a “specific reason” but did not publicly disclose further details about the motive. Authorities confirmed the incident was isolated and posed no ongoing threat to the campus.

Safety Concerns the Day Before

The shooting came one day after Beam had voiced concerns about campus safety during a meeting with Laney College administrators, urging the reinstatement of armed security guards. He cited a pattern of thefts at the field house where he worked - items that were never recovered - and expressed frustration that no suspects had ever 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, replacing it with an unarmed team. Beam’s call for stronger security had gone unheeded.

References: ‘Last Chance U’ Coach and Athletic Director Shot on Oakland College Campus | Suspect arrested in shooting death of Laney College coach John Beam | John Beam, ‘Last Chance U’ football coach, dies after being shot at Laney College