The fourth men's basketball coach in the history of College of the Ozarks will call it a career at the end of the season.

The full release from C of O is below:

College of the Ozarks has announced that Steve Shepherd will complete his chapter as head men’s basketball coach, effective at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year.

Shepherd will continue leading and serving as an influential part of Bobcat Athletics in his role as College of the Ozarks athletic director.

Introduced as the fourth head coach in program history in 2002, Shepherd guided the Bobcats to unprecedented success, including the College’s first-ever NAIA Division II National Championship in 2006, multiple Final Four appearances, and a legacy defined not only by wins and championships, but by an unwavering commitment to character, values, and the development of young men.

“Twenty-four years ago, College of the Ozarks gave me the coaching opportunity of a lifetime,” Shepherd said. “It has been an incredible chapter of life for my family and me, and we have truly been blessed by the support of the College. We have developed student athletes, celebrated championships, and shared unforgettable memories from thrilling games in the Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium.

“Coaching has been a calling the Lord placed on my heart more than 41 years ago, and I am grateful for every step of that journey, especially the past 24 years at College of the Ozarks. C of O has been more than a place of employment; it has been a mission field. I am grateful to the administration for the opportunity to serve at a College that so clearly integrates faith, character, and hard work into its mission.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Following 12 successful years as a high school coach, Shepherd began his collegiate coaching career in 1998 at Evangel University. He served as the assistant for four seasons and was on the staff that celebrated Evangel’s 2002 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.

In 2002, Shepherd was introduced as head coach of College of the Ozarks men's basketball. In his fourth year at the helm, the 2006 Bobcats delivered to College of the Ozarks their first-ever NAIA DII Men's Basketball National Championship, defeating Huntington University 74-56 in the title game. He was also named NAIA DII National Coach of the Year. Shepherd’s Bobcats went on to finish as the NAIA DII National Championship Runner-Up in 2009, and advanced to the Final Four in 2011.

During Shepherd’s 24-year tenure, the Bobcats have enjoyed fifteen 20-win seasons, and he has accumulated a national title, three Fab Four appearances, a conference title, and three conference tournament titles for the College. Shepherd's 35-year career as a head coach has seen him amass a 448-296 record at the collegiate level and a 259-75 record at the high school level, compiling an overall record of 707-371. In 2015, Shepherd added the role of athletic director to his resume, managing the day-to-day responsibilities of the College's athletic program. Shepherd received the honor of being named A.I.I. Athletics Director of the Year in 2016-2017.

Impact Beyond the Court

Aside from his on-court accomplishments, Shepherd is recognized and respected as an outstanding individual who has focused on character and values for himself and the young men he developed as Bobcats.

Dr. Weston Wiebe, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, is a former Bobcat player for Shepherd.

“Coach Steve Shepherd is a living legend at College of the Ozarks,” Wiebe said. “From a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship and countless All-American athletes to an induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, his achievements speak for themselves. But more than wins and accolades, Coach Shepherd’s primary focus has always been the development of faith and character in his players. I am grateful to have been shaped by his leadership and am excited to see his continued impact on Bobcat Athletics.”

During his tenure, Shepherd coached 19 NAIA DII All-American players, three of whom received multiple recognitions, and two NCCAA DI All-Americans. In addition, Shepherd has coached 34 NAIA/NCCAA Scholar Athletes. He was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.

Dr. Nick Sharp, assistant vice president of campus operations, reflected on the impact Shepherd has made at College of the Ozarks.

“Coach Shepherd's influence reaches far beyond Keeter Gymnasium,” Sharp said. “He successfully bridged competition and character, building not just athletes, but quality men. His unwavering dedication to faith, family, and Bobcat Athletics has left a lasting impact, and the College is grateful for his leadership on and off the court.”

“I am incredibly proud of all who wore the Bobcat jersey,” Shepherd said. “Their hard work, commitment, and resilience are the foundation of the strong, successful teams we became. I am thankful for the assistant coaches I’ve had over the years for their loyalty, commitment, friendship, and the impact they’ve had on our athletes.

Shepherd and his wife, Karen, look forward to a change of pace and the opportunity to spend more time with their family — Alexis and her husband, Lucas; Sydney and her husband, Cameron; daughters Angelina and Arianna, and their five grandchildren. 

“I am extremely grateful to have a family that has supported me and Bobcat Basketball wholeheartedly over the years,” Shepherd said. “Their love, sacrifice, and encouragement have sustained me and made coaching at C of O truly a family affair. Most of all, I give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for his blessings, guidance, and strength throughout my coaching career.”

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.