ANNVILLE, Pa. – Chris Thompson, Lebanon Valley College's Head Football Coach and Quarterbacks Coach, announced that Dan Beard was named the program's Special Teams Coordinator and Academic Coordinator.

"I'm fired up to hire Coach Beard as a full-time Assistant Coach to our already elite staff," Thompson said. "Dan brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a commitment to excellence in developing young men on and off the field. He aligns perfectly with our culture and standards and will elevate our program immediately upon joining our LVC Football family."

Beard joins the staff of the Dutchmen after spending the 2025 season as the Linebackers Coach at Gettysburg College, where he also coordinated the program's special teams. The Bullets blocked five kicks this past season, ranking in the top 30 in the nation. Beard also served as the Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Division II Millersville University for six seasons, where he guided linebacker Garrett Cox to All-American honors. As the Academic Coordinator for Millersville football, he fostered a culture that emphasized academics. Marauder student-athletes earned 10 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District and two CSC Academic All-America awards during Beard's tenure. 

"I look forward to working with Coach Thompson and the rest of the staff to take this historic program to new heights," Beard said. "I am excited to contribute to Dutchmen Football and make our special teams units elite in every aspect, so that we tilt the field position for our offense and defense to contribute to team wins. I also look forward to developing student-athletes in the classroom as an academic mentor, helping them graduate and launch successful careers. LVC provides an exceptional community for my family, a winning tradition, and phenomenal people to be surrounded by." 

Before his stint at Millersville, Beard was the Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Alvernia University while the program was being established. He also played an integral role in recruiting the team's first class. Beard launched his college coaching career as the Outside Linebackers Coach and Strength and Conditioning Co-coordinator at Allegheny College, before joining the staff at McDaniel College and Shippensburg University as a Graduate Assistant. At Shippensburg, he contributed to the team leading NCAA Division II with a plus-20 turnover margin (1.82 per game) in 2015. The Raiders also ranked eighth in the nation in turnovers forced in 2016. 

Beard played college football at Shenandoah University, where he was a fullback for one season and a defensive player for three years. During his career, he was recognized as an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III First Team honoree and a two-time member of the All-USA South Conference All-Academic Team. 

Beard graduated from Shenandoah with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2011 and interned with James Madison University's strength and conditioning staff while pursuing his undergraduate degree. He earned a master's degree in Exercise Science and Physical Education from McDaniel and a master's in Organizational Leadership Development from Shippensburg. Additionally, Beard is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Shenandoah. 

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