The Golden Bear's Next Coach? A potential game-changer is brewing in Berkeley.
Cal is on the brink of sealing a deal that could revolutionize their coaching landscape. The buzz is all about Tosh Lupoi, Oregon's defensive mastermind, who might just be the next head coach for the Golden Bears. But here's where it gets intriguing: Lupoi's name shot to the top of Cal's radar almost instantly after the departure of Justin Wilcox.
Lupoi's journey is a tale of returning home. He started his coaching career as a defensive lineman for Cal, and now, he's being touted as the perfect fit to lead the team. And it's not just us saying it; DeSean Jackson, a Cal alum and NFL star, took to social media to show his support for Lupoi, emphasizing his belief that Lupoi is the man for the job.
But why all the hype? Oregon's defense, under Lupoi's guidance, was a force to be reckoned with during the 2025 regular season. They ranked an impressive third in the nation, allowing a mere 251.6 yards per game. The Ducks' defense was a wall, holding teams to a paltry 14.8 points per game, which ranked an impressive eighth in the FBS.
Lupoi's resume is a testament to his coaching prowess. After starting at Cal, he moved on to Washington, and then to the prestigious Alabama, working under the legendary Nick Saban. He then ventured into the NFL, coaching for the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars. But college football called him back, and he answered, joining Oregon as their defensive coordinator in 2022.
And this is the part most people miss: Lupoi's return to college football wasn't just about the job; it was a reunion with Dan Lanning, his former colleague at Alabama. Together, they've built a formidable defense at Oregon, one that has consistently ranked among the best in college football for the last three seasons.
As Oregon gears up to fill an offensive coordinator vacancy, the coaching carousel spins faster. Will Stein, Oregon's current OC, is set to take the head coaching role at Kentucky in 2026, but he'll continue to guide the Ducks through the College Football Playoff.
Oregon's 10-2 regular season, capped with a rivalry win over Washington, has them poised for the CFP. The final rankings will be revealed soon, and the Golden Bears' fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Lupoi will be the one to lead them into a new era.
So, what do you think? Is Tosh Lupoi the right choice for Cal? Or are there other candidates who could shake things up? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this potential coaching coup!
