Five coaching candidates to replace Justin Wilcox at Cal

Jeff Hauser

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Five coaching candidates to replace Justin Wilcox at Cal image

With California parting ways with Justin Wilcox on Sunday, the Golden Bears now turn to a competitive national search that will be led by new football general manager Ron Rivera.

Wilcox, who went 48-55 over nine seasons, was dismissed a day after a 31-10 loss to rival Stanford dropped Cal to 6-5. The Bears have reached bowl eligibility for a third straight year, but Rivera’s move brings a fresh start.

Here are six candidates who could emerge as serious contenders in Berkeley.

Sean Lewis, San Diego State

Lewis has rebuilt his stock quickly. After leading Kent State to two bowl games and serving as Deion Sanders’ first offensive coordinator at Colorado, he has San Diego State at 9-2 in his second season eyeing a conference title.

Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State

Mendenhall’s track record is one of consistent success. With stops at BYU and Virginia, he is now in his first season at Utah State.

Tosh Lupoi, Oregon defensive coordinator

A former Cal defensive lineman, he began his coaching career with the Bears before making national waves as a top recruiter at Washington and Alabama. Lupoi spent three seasons in the NFL and has helped Oregon reach the College Football Playoff under Dan Lanning.

Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern head coach

Fitzgerald is officially back in the job market. He won 110 games and two Big Ten West titles, establishing a reputation for stability and player development.

Jim Mora, UConn

At 73-53 as an FBS head coach, Mora’s NFL background and program-builder profile have already made him a popular target in multiple recent searches..

Riverboat Ron will be cooking

Rivera’s first major decision at Cal promises to be among the most consequential in the program’s modern era.