California has dismissed head coach Justin Wilcox after a nineyear tenure, concluding with a record of 4855. The announcement was made by general manager Ron Rivera on Sunday.
In his final game, Wilcox’s team suffered a disappointing 3110 defeat against Stanford, a match in which they were favored. This loss brought Cal’s season record to 65, marking the third consecutive year the Golden Bears achieved bowl eligibility.
Leadership Change at Cal
Rivera expressed gratitude towards Wilcox for his contributions and professionalism over the years. He stated, “After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership.” Wilcox is set to receive approximately $10.9 million as per his contract.
Challenges Faced by Wilcox’s Tenure
Wilcox’s teams at Cal were known for being competitive; however, recent issues around name, image, and likeness (NIL) support impacted performance. The program has seen significant player departures, including:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) Heisman Trophy candidate
- Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma) Former firstteam allPac12 tailback
- Jack Endries (Texas) Star tight end
Despite these challenges, the season started with optimism, especially with the recruitment of promising true freshman quarterback JaronKeawe Sagapolutele and a solid transfer class. They achieved notable victories against Minnesota, North Carolina, and an upset win at Louisville.
Transitioning to Interim Leadership
Cal is currently navigating a leadership shift with codirectors of athletics Jay Larson and Jenny Simon O’Neill at the helm. Rivera has been appointed as the new football general manager to modernize the program. Nick Rolovich, previously a senior offensive assistant, has stepped in as interim coach.
During his time at Cal, Wilcox struggled in conference play, finishing with a record of 510 in the ACC over the last two seasons. Throughout his nineyear tenure, he never established a winning record in league play, which included seven seasons in the Pac12 and two in the ACC.
At 49 years old, Wilcox is highly regarded within coaching circles and has extensive ties to West Coast programs. Previously, he served as defensive coordinator at notable schools such as Boise State, Washington, and USC, as well as holding positions at Tennessee and Wisconsin.