Richard Beverly graduated from the University of Alabama before embarking upon his coaching career.

Beverly became the head football coach at Clay County High School in Ashland, Alabama in the fall of 1967. Over the next 22 seasons he led the Panthers to a 145-78-4 record and five state playoff appearances.

His 1987 squad went 10-2, losing in the second round of the playoffs. Beverly's 1989 team finished the regular season undefeated before losing in the playoffs. During his tenure in Ashland, his teams finished with a winning record in all but three seasons.

Coach Beverly stepped down following the 1988 season and retired from the football sidelines. In 1989 he became the principal of Wadley High School for the next three years.