Dear Peralta Community, 

 

I'm heartbroken to share the passing of our colleague and friend, Coach John Beam. Like many of you, I struggle to comprehend the tragic loss of someone with so much bravado, enthusiasm, and tenacity for life. John's vibrancy could be felt in every space he entered, proudly wearing his passion for students, Laney College, and Oakland. Moreover, his impact can be felt through generations of families in our community, having coached and mentored so many.

 

John was an integral part of Laney College since 2004, when he began his tenure as a running back coach and quickly advanced to offensive coordinator in 2005. During that time, the Laney Eagles achieved three conference championships and five consecutive bowl game appearances—an accomplishment that reflects his strategic brilliance and dedication to athletic excellence.

 

In 2012, he became the head football coach and continued to elevate the program. Under his leadership, the Eagles secured two league titles, maintained a .600 winning percentage, competed in 14 bowl games, earned 3 California Community Colleges Athletic Association (3C2A) playoff appearances, brought home 1 state championship, and saw Coach Beam himself recognized as the 3C2A Coach of the Year.

 

Coach Beam's leadership and personal commitment to elevating Laney College's football program led to national prominence in 2020 when the Laney Eagles were featured on Netflix's Last Chance U which not only highlighted the resilience and struggles of Laney's student-athletes but also celebrated the transformative power of Coach Beam's mentorship, his larger-than-life personality, iconic mustache, and unwavering love for the City of Oakland, inspiring success on and off the field.

 

Across his remarkable 45-year career at Laney College and Skyline High School, Coach Beam has developed more than 30 NFL players, including seven Super Bowl participants, and champions at every level of football, from NCAA titles to the Canadian Grey Cup and the NFL Europe Championship. He coached over 2,500 players, led teams through 500 games, and achieved 239 victories, while helping more than 200 student-athletes reach Division I programs.

 

Yet, his most significant legacy lies in the classroom. John always fostered a strong culture of academic achievement, with the Laney College football program maintaining an extraordinary 90% graduation and transfer rate. He always believed that the student part of athletics was most important, and that football and athletics served as a bridge to higher education and life-sustaining careers. 

 

I recently had the honor of sitting down with John to reflect on the fifth anniversary of Last Chance U. Just a couple of weeks ago, we showcased a short film, First Chance, Best Chance U, at our Alumni Night Laney Eagles Football Game. Our 45-minute discussion was distilled down to this 20-minute feature, but it tells you everything about John's tenacity and extraordinary love for our community.

 

There are no real words to express my profound sorrow, but it is only softened by the tremendous gratitude I feel for the opportunity I had to work alongside him. John made me laugh, infuriated me on some days, elevated my thinking, and constantly challenged me to be better for Peralta and for Oakland. I am keeping John's family, loved ones, and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

 

Laney Built. Oakland Proud.

Tammeil