Cal AD Jim Knowlton announces retirement

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th June, 11:37 2025

Apr 26, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; University of California director of athletics Jim Knowlton stands on the field before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton announced his retirement on Monday after seven years at Berkeley.

Knowlton will stay on through July 1. Deputy athletic directors Jay Larson and Jenny Simon-O'Neill have been appointed co-directors for Golden Bears athletics.

Under Knowlton's leadership, Cal captured 10 national championships and appeared in four bowl games in football.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve at the University of California, Berkeley, the No. 1 public university in the country," Knowlton said. "The expectation of holistic excellence helps to drive everyone associated with the university, and our department is no exception. The combination of a world-class education, athletic excellence, an inclusive community, an awe-inspiring location and, most importantly, truly special people, make Cal a magnificent place to serve."

UC Berkeley chancellor Rich Lyons announced he will use the transition period to install a new leadership structure.

Ron Rivera, former NFL head coach and All-American linebacker at Cal, was hired on March 20 as the school's first football general manager.

Though Rivera reported to Lyons, Cal football coach Justin Wilcox reported to Knowlton. Prominent Cal donors have called for Rivera to be put in charge of the entire Golden Bears program.

--Field Level Media

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