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Coach JOHN Beam’s History & Accomplishments
Coach John Beam was a Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Famer football coach with over 45 years of coaching and teaching success at the high school and community college levels in Oakland, California. He dedicated his life to being around young people and making a difference in their lives.
His competitive spirit did not allow him to take no for an answer and he always found a way to make the impossible happen. Coach Beam was fearless and funny; demanded excellence and always had your back; was fierce but generous with his time, wisdom and dedication to his community.
Coach Beam’s relentless drive led to many accolades on the field: 15 league championships, 11 section championships, and four undefeated seasons at Skyline High School. A State championship, a Number 1 Ranking in the country, numerous League and Bowl championships, as Head Coach at Laney College.
He is the only coach to be awarded both, the California High School Football Coach of the Year, and the California Community College Football Coach of the Year. He coached over 30 players that made it to the NFL, who have combined for eight Super Bowl appearances. His players have won national championships at all levels, and international championships.
He took as much pride in his teaching as he did his coaching. He taught over 5,000 students in Oakland at the junior high, high school and community college levels. He spent his life connecting those students and players creating a family network across generations on and off the field.
He was featured in season five of Netflix’ Last Chance U, and was a proud and much loved husband, father and grandpa.
EARLY YEARS 1959–1982
Born in January 1959 in San Diego to Ed and Betty Beam, he grew up alongside his parents and older sister, Sue. He loved sports—baseball, basketball, and football—and spent countless hours at the beach and in the ocean. He attended Kearny High School, lettering in baseball and football, then continued his education and football career at Mesa Junior College, where knee injuries led him to discover a passion for coaching.
In 1980, he met the love of his life, Cindi, and followed her to Oakland, where they later married. He completed his degree at California State University, Hayward, and began teaching and coaching at Havenscourt and then Frick Junior High School, where he found his calling in mentoring and inspiring Oakland youth.
TITAN PRIDE 1982-2004
For over 20 years he honed his craft as a coach, PE teacher and mentor at Skyline high school - he cared when he didn't have to and showed up for his students and players every day
Overall Head Coach Record: 160-33-3
Undefeated in the OAL in the 90s
15 OAL League Titles
11 Silver Bowl Championships
4 undefeated seasons
2x Coach of Year
1 High School State Coach of the Year
LANEY BUILT 2004-2025
He started a new challenge in 2004 as he transitioned to Laney, evolving as a person and coach to ensure he could meet the needs of young adults the same way he had for teenagers
Overall Head Coach Record: 80-52
90% graduation and transfer rate
14 Bowl Games
8 Episodes of Last Chance U with 15 million+ viewers
3 CCCAA Playoff Appearances
1 State Championship
1 CCCAA Coach of the Year
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Taught 5,000+ students in Oakland
Coached over 2,500 players
Overall football Head Coach record 240-85-3
200+ Division 1 athletes and 100’s of additional students to college
Worked with the NFL and the NFLPA developing players from their first experience with football, through post-career
Kearny High School Hall of Fame
Bay Area Multiethnic Hall of Fame
CIF Distinguished Service Award
