Dan Lanning speaks out about death of Laney College AD, former 'Last Chance U' coach John Beam

The college football world continues to mourn the tragic death of John Beam, the Laney College athletic director and former head football coach who rose to national prominence through Netflix’s Last Chance U.

Beam, 66, was shot on the Laney campus Thursday afternoon and succumbed to his injuries Friday morning, according to ABC News. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was among those who publicly honored Beam’s legacy.

“Just want to take the time to send our condolences to Coach Beam and his family,” Lanning said during a Friday night press conference. “When you see somebody who made such an impact on people lose his life in an opportunity he shouldn’t have — that guy made an unbelievable impact on a lot of people.

“A lot of our coaches, a lot of our staff, the players recognize the impact that he made and remember him, and will always remember him fondly. So we hate to see him go, and we’re really feeling for his family at this time.”

Authorities confirmed that a suspect has been arrested, though the individual has not yet been publicly identified in Beam’s death. Police noted that the suspect did know Beam — not personally, but through Bay Area high school football circles.

The shooting occurred just after noon inside the Laney Field House, adjacent to the school’s football field, prompting an immediate emergency alert warning of an active shooter. Officials later clarified that the situation was isolated and that only one person had been shot, but the campus remained on edge throughout the day as the suspect initially remained at large.

Laney College released an early statement referring to Beam only as a “senior member of our athletic staff,” sharing that he had been transported to a nearby hospital: “We are keeping them — and their loved ones — in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time,” the school wrote. As news spread of his passing, tributes poured in across the football community.

Moreover, Beam’s impact stretched far beyond junior college football. Before joining Laney in 2004 as a running backs coach, he spent 20 years shaping the Bay Area’s high school football landscape. He became Laney’s head coach in 2012, later starring on Last Chance U for his no-nonsense leadership style, his mentorship of young athletes seeking second chances, and his deep connection to the Oakland community.

During his remarkable career, Beam helped send more than 100 players to Division I programs. Twenty of his players eventually reached the NFL, seven of whom played in Super Bowls. His influence extended far beyond the field, a truth reflected in the outpouring of grief that followed his death.

Peralta Community College District spokesperson Mark Johnson captured the community’s shock: “We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus,” he stated.

Beam’s influence will be remembered across every level of football. From Oakland youth fields to the NFL, and across the many lives he shaped along the way. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends and football kin.

— On3’s Daniel Hager contributed to this article.