AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Gamblers today announced that Jeff Shearer has been hired as the team’s director of competition and assistant coach. In his role, Shearer will work alongside head coach and Central Texas resident Michael Gaffney, assisting in all facets of team operations.
Following a 17-year professional rodeo career, Shearer began judging for PBR (Professional Bull Riders) in 1999. He eventually became the administrator of judges, where he was the lead judge and replay official. Shearer has also served as a pickup rider in rough stock events.
Shearer graduated with a degree in animal science from West Hills Community College in Coalinga, Calif. He resides in Northern California with his fiancé and three children.
“We are elated to welcome Jeff to the Austin Gamblers family,” JJ Gottsch, the team’s chief executive officer, said. “His decades of rodeo experience, touching all aspects of the sport, will make him an invaluable asset to our team.”
The Austin Gamblers are one of eight teams competing in the inaugural PBR Team Series. Teams of seven riders compete in traditional 8-second bull rides structured in a tournament-style format, with every team squaring off in head-to-head matchups against a different opponent each day.
The Gamblers will host a three-day homestand at the new Moody Center from Aug. 26-28. They will be the first professional sports team to hold an event at the facility. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 21 at PBR.com, Ticketmaster.com, and MoodyCenterATX.com.
Fans can connect with the Gamblers and follow the season on Facebook (@AustinGamblers), Twitter (@Austin_Gamblers), Instagram (@Austin_Gamblers) and TikTok (@Austin_Gamblers).