Entering his fifth season on the staff and third as linebackers coach at Shepherd is Chad Byers. in addition to leading the linebackers, Byers is also the special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
In 2017 Byers tutored James Gupton to first team All-Region linebacker honors and freshman Chrys Lane to All-MEC honorable mention accolades. The linebacker group was a pillar to the success of the defense that helped Shepherd win the Mountain East Conference championship. Gupton led the Shepherd defense in tackles with 87 and had a game-high total of 16 tackles against Findlay in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
In 2016 Byers led a talented linebacker group as Octavius Thomas earned All-American honors and James Gupton garnered second team All-Region accolades. Thomas and Gupton helped lead Shepherd to a Super Region One Championship and a national semifinal appearance. Throughout the season the Shepherd front seven held opponents to 98.5 yards rushing per game. The linebacker group of Thomas (105) and Gupton (99) topped the team in tackles.
Byers served as a defensive quality control coach for Furman University in 2015. Byers helped the Paladins upset FBS opponent University of Central Florida,16-15.
For the 2013 and 2014 season Byers was on the offensive side of the ball for the Rams coaching the wide receivers. The receivers helped the Shepherd average 38.2 points per game in 2014.
Byers graduated from James Madison University in 2012 with a degree in kinesiology. While at JMU Byers helped the Dukes upset No. 13 Virginia Tech, 21-16 in 2010, and to a Colonial Athletic Association Championship in 2008.
Byers and his fiancée, Kelly, reside in Winchester, Virginia.
