Ben Beasley joined the LU coaching staff in February 2014 working with the Cardinals’ secondary. A veteran of coaching within the Southland Conference, Beasley comes to Beaumont following a highly successful stint at Sam Houston State, and after two years working with the Cardinals’ secondary he is entering his first season coaching linebackers.
Beasley took on the task of rebuilding the entire LU secondary during his first season. Following the 2013 campaign, LU graduated all four starters in the secondary. Refusing to allow that to be a weakness, Beasley filled each spot with younger guys waiting for their time to shine, along with an influx of talent from the junior college ranks. The result, a secondary that ranked second in the Southland in pass defense and pass efficiency defense.
Rising junior Xavier Bethany also excelled under Beasley’s direction. A second-team All-Southland Conference selection, Bethany finished second on the squad, and sixth in the league with 98 total tackles on the season, and two interceptions including one returned for a score.
Having worked at three other Southland schools, Beasley has made a career out of converting defensive backs into a formidable unit. During his time in Huntsville, he helped coach the Bearkats to one of the most successful runs in school history. National runners-up in consecutive years, Beasley’s secondary finished the 2011 season ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense, and tops in the country in interceptions and takeaways.
During his five seasons in Huntsville, Beasley produced three All-Americans and 11 All-Southland Conference selections. In addition to all the national honors, Beasley’s secondary set a school record for interceptions during the 2011 season.Â
Just as important as the numbers produced on the field are Beasley’s contacts in southeast Texas. During his time with the Bearkats, Beasley was tasked with the responsibility of recruiting the Golden Triangle.
Prior to his stay in Huntsville, Beasley spent five seasons at Northwestern State working with the Demons secondary for the final three. Northwestern State ranked in the Southland’s top two in total defense all three years, and had the league’s top pass defense in 2008. Beasley produced six All-SLC athletes during his time in Natchitoches, La.
Beasley took the first step toward a career in college coaching during the 2000 season as a student assistant at his alma mater, McNeese State. During his time as a coach, he helped lead three teams to a Southland Conference title, coached three All-Americans, 17 All-SLC selections, produced the 2012 SLC Defensive Player of the Year and watched his troops set 14 school records.
A member of the American Football Coaches Association, Beasley graduated from McNeese State with a bachelor’s degree in May 2002. Beasley and his wife, Ellen, have a daughter, Sarah Jane.
