James Finley Joins Oregon State as Wide Receivers Coach, Bringing Proven Development Pedigree to Corvallis
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State is adding a proven developer of talent to its football staff, as James Finley has officially been named the Beavers’ new wide receivers coach. Head Coach JaMarcus Shephard made the announcement Friday, and it’s a move that signals Oregon State’s commitment to building from the ground up with coaches who know how to mold talent and win.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being around Coach Finley the last couple of years,” Shephard said. “He’s done an excellent job of developing young people and identifying those who can grow into something even greater.
He’s developed NFL players, he’s a consistent leader, and his character speaks for itself. You could see that in how people in L.A. reacted to the news of his hire.”
Finley arrives in Corvallis after a steady climb through the coaching ranks, most recently serving as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Colorado State. He first joined the Rams’ staff in 2022 as a tight ends coach and was promoted to his most recent role in January 2025.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Finley said. “It means expectations are high. I’m ready to get to work with Coach Shephard and this great staff to build something special at Oregon State.”
While his appointment is pending the completion of university hiring processes, Finley’s résumé speaks volumes. His time at Colorado State showcased his versatility and adaptability-he was originally hired as the running backs coach before transitioning to tight ends following staff changes. By the end of the 2023 season, his impact was being felt nationally, earning him a nomination for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in college football.
Before his time in the college ranks, Finley laid his foundation in Southern California high school football, where he quickly made a name for himself. He started at Narbonne High School in 2015 as the defensive backs coach, then shifted to coaching wide receivers for the next two seasons.
From there, he moved to national powerhouse Mater Dei High School, where he coached wideouts from 2018 to 2021. Under his guidance, Mater Dei captured two national championships-no small feat in one of the most competitive prep football environments in the country.
Finley’s coaching acumen is backed by on-field experience. As a player, he lined up at wide receiver for Oregon in 2005 and 2006, finishing with 72 catches for 708 yards and four touchdowns.
He made an immediate impact in his debut season, setting a program record for a newcomer with 10 receptions in the season opener at Houston. Later that year, he added nine catches in the Holiday Bowl against Oklahoma, earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention.
Before landing at Oregon, Finley starred at Compton Community College, where he racked up 64 receptions for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 2004. That season earned him recognition as one of the top 10 junior college wide receivers in the country by SuperPrep.
His football journey started at Manual Arts High School in California, where he was a dominant force on the field. As a senior, he pulled in 83 receptions for more than 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning Best-in-the-West honors from the Long Beach Press-Telegram. He capped off his high school career with a standout performance in the California-Florida High School All-Star Game, where he had six catches for 122 yards and two scores.
Now, Finley brings that same drive and developmental mindset to Oregon State. With a background that spans every level of the game-from high school to major college football-he’s well-equipped to lead the Beavers’ receiving corps into a new era.
Finley and his wife, Monique, have four children: Keri, Jae, Mhina, and James III.
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