As the University of Houston Men’s Basketball program prepares for the 2021-22 season, K.C. Beard was named the team’s newest assistant coach, Head Coach Kelvin Sampson announced Monday.
Beard has served the Cougars for the last seven years as video coordinator
Following the Cougars’ run to the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1984, assistant coach Alvin Brooks left the Cougars to become the head coach at his alma mater, Lamar. Former Assistant Director of Development Mikhail McLean also joined Brooks’ Lamar staff as assistant coach.
ABOUT K.C. BEARD
With Brooks’ departure, Beard became an assistant coach for the first time in his NCAA Division I collegiate career. He joined Kellen Sampson and Quannas White on Sampson’s coaching staff.
During the last seven years, Beard has played a key role in a program which has posted a 167-64 record with five postseason appearances, including three straight NCAA Tournament berths and the 2021 NCAA Final Four, three American Athletic Conference championships and six straight 20-win seasons.
“Whatever K.C.’s responsibility is, you know it’s going to be done the right way. He is a hard worker and gets things done. He is a doer. He reminds me of the uncle in your family who can fix your lawnmower, tune your piano and cook a seven-course meal.” Sampson said. “I’ve known K.C. for more than 10 years, and I am excited to have him join the coaching staff.”
“I’m grateful to Coach Sampson for the opportunity to continue to grow with the University of Houston as an assistant coach. Houston is a special place because of the culture and family atmosphere that he has built,” Beard said. “I’m excited about the future of the program, and I look forward to working hard to help us take the next step.”
Beard joined the Cougars in May 2014 as the team’s video coordinator. In that role, he coordinated film exchange and opponents’ scouting as well as assisting in other areas of the program. He worked closely with members of the coaching staff and game preparation and preparing scouting reports.
After graduating from Boise State in 2008, Beard entered the professional ranks as video coordinator at SMU during the 2008-09 season.
From there, he served as an assistant coach at West Texas A&M, where he received his master’s degree in business administration, from 2009 to 2011. He has worked as an assistant coach at Pacific (Ore.) in 2011.
Beard entered the NBA ranks as a video intern with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2011-13 and served in that same role with the Utah Jazz during the 2013-14 season.
In addition to his previous collegiate and NBA experience, Beard served as video coordinator with the Canadian National Team during the summers from 2013 to 2016.
