Beloved Coach from Netflix Series Murdered in Targeted Attack

The sports world is reeling after the shocking death of beloved Netflix star and legendary football coach John Beam, who was gunned down in what police now believe was a targeted shooting on the Laney College campus in Oakland.

Beam, 66, was found shot in the head Thursday at the college where he worked as athletic director and famously starred in the hit Netflix docuseries Last Chance U. He was rushed to the hospital but died early Friday morning.

Authorities say the suspect—who was captured hours later—knew Beam personally and had “a specific reason” for being on campus that day. Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere called the attack “very targeted,” confirming that the gunman was a former high school player at a school Beam once coached—though not during Beam’s tenure.

Police tracked the 27-year-old suspect down using surveillance cameras from the college, nearby homes, and public transit. He was arrested at the San Leandro BART station around 3 a.m. Friday. A firearm was recovered at the scene, but charges are still pending.

Beam wasn’t just a coach—he was an Oakland legend who spent over 40 years mentoring young athletes and turning overlooked players into college and NFL stars. His Netflix appearance made him a cult favorite among fans for his tough love and no-nonsense devotion to second chances.

He’s survived by his wife Cindi, daughters Sonjha and Monica, and granddaughters Lola and Nori.

In a statement, his family called him “a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend.”

Beam’s career spanned decades—from coaching Skyline High to dominating at Laney College, where he led his team to multiple championships and inspired countless players to chase their dreams. His former students include Super Bowl champ CJ Anderson and NFL brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, who each shared emotional tributes online.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee mourned Beam’s death, saying, “He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance, and he never stopped fighting for them. Gun violence has stolen the life of a man who built up this city’s young people.”

Laney College, meanwhile, has turned into a place of mourning—its halls filled with flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes for a man who gave everything to his players.

As fans revisit his emotional moments on Last Chance U, the tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage across social media. Beam’s story—of tough lessons, second chances, and unconditional belief in his players—has come to a heartbreaking end, but his influence will live on through the thousands he mentored.

“You mean the world to me,” wrote NFL player Rejzohn Wright. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”