What's happened
Cal has fired head football coach Justin Wilcox after a 31-10 loss to Stanford, ending his nine-year tenure. First-year GM Ron Rivera cited the team's poor performance and missed opportunities as reasons for the decision, with interim coach Nick Rolovich set to lead the team in the final game.
What's behind the headline?
The firing of Justin Wilcox marks a decisive shift in Cal's football strategy, reflecting the urgency to elevate the program's competitiveness. Rivera's decision underscores a focus on results, especially after a season marred by penalties and turnovers in the rivalry game. The move signals a willingness to take bold steps, including considering candidates with no head coaching experience, to find a coach capable of developing talent like freshman quarterback Jaron Sagapolutele. This change aims to energize recruiting and performance, with the potential to impact Cal's standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference and beyond. The emphasis on understanding the university's culture suggests Rivera seeks a coach who aligns with Cal's values, which could influence the hiring process and future team development. Overall, this decision is likely to accelerate efforts to rebuild Cal football into a more competitive and successful program.
What the papers say
The AP News articles from November 24 and 25, 2025, provide detailed insights into the decision to fire Wilcox, highlighting the team's recent performance, Rivera's strategic approach, and the context of Cal's football history. The NY Post adds perspective on Rivera's leadership and the broader implications for the program, emphasizing the significance of this coaching change as part of a larger rebuilding effort. Contrasting opinions are minimal, but the sources collectively portray a decisive move driven by performance metrics and a desire for a fresh start.
How we got here
Justin Wilcox led Cal football for nine seasons, but was unable to establish consistent success. The team struggled in conference play, never achieving a winning record under his leadership, with notable setbacks including a heavy loss to Stanford and no bowl wins since 2019. Rivera, tasked with rebuilding the program, decided to replace Wilcox after the recent rivalry game.
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