California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox has been fired, ending a nine-year run in Berkeley after Saturday’s 31–10 rivalry loss to Stanford. The move was announced Sunday by Cal football general manager Ron Rivera.
Why Cal Moved On
Cal entered the rivalry matchup as the favorite, but the heavy defeat dropped the Golden Bears to 6–5, their third straight year finishing at or just above bowl eligibility. Wilcox leaves with a record of 48–55, making him the sixth-winningest coach in program history but still unable to produce a single winning conference season.
Rivera said the decision came after “careful consideration,” praising Wilcox for professionalism but emphasizing that the program “needs new leadership.”
Under the terms of his contract, Wilcox will receive a buyout of approximately $10.9 million.
A Program at a Crossroads
Cal’s athletic department has undergone major changes:
- It now has two co–directors of athletics, Jay Larson and Jenny Simon O’Neill.
- Rivera, a longtime NFL coach, was hired this year as Cal’s football general manager to modernize operations.
The team also struggled with NIL disadvantages, leading to major roster losses. Several stars departed before the 2024 season, including:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) – a Heisman Trophy contender
- Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma) – former All-Pac-12 tailback
- Jack Endries (Texas) – standout tight end
Despite this, Cal showed flashes of potential, including wins over Minnesota, North Carolina, and a recent upset of Louisville. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has also been touted as one of the top young prospects in college football.
Nick Rolovich Takes Over
Former Washington State and Hawai’i head coach Nick Rolovich has been named interim coach. He spent the season as Cal’s senior offensive assistant and will guide the team through its final stretch and postseason preparation.
Cal is now in its second season in the ACC, where Wilcox went 5–10. Across nine seasons in two conferences, he never produced a winning league record.
What’s Next for the Golden Bears?
With an evolving athletic structure and a general manager shaping football strategy, Cal enters its next phase with urgency. The Bears must rebuild roster depth, strengthen NIL support, and stabilize performance in a competitive ACC landscape.
The coaching search begins immediately.
