Cal fires coach Justin Wilcox after nine years

Field Level Media|published: Sun 23rd November, 21:12 2025

NCAA Football: Texas Southern at California

Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox (left) and general manager Ron Rivera (right) talk after defeating the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cal fired coach Justin Wilcox on Sunday, one day after the Golden Bears were routed by fierce rival Stanford in the "Big Game."

Wilcox compiled a 48-55 record in nine seasons with Cal. The Golden Bears are 6-5 overall and 3-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play entering Saturday's regular-season finale against visiting SMU.

Cal general manager Ron Rivera announced Wilcox's dismissal.

"I want to thank Justin for all of his contributions to our football program, our athletic department and our university," Rivera said in a news release. "He has always comported himself with class and professionalism. After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership. We wish Justin the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Rivera is a former Golden Bears star linebacker and was a player and head coach in the NFL. He was hired to run the football program in March.

Wilcox is reportedly owed $10.88 million on a contract that ran through the 2027 season.

Senior offensive assistant Nick Rolovich will serve as interim coach.

Rolovich has a 33-33 record as a head coach at Hawaii (2016-19) and Washington State (2020-21). He was dismissed from the latter school during the 2021 campaign because he refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin also has head-coaching experience. He has an 85-36 record at Arkansas State (2013), Boise State (2014-20) and Auburn (2021-22).

Wilcox's top season was an 8-5 mark in 2019 when the Golden Bears beat Illinois 35-20 in the Redbox Bowl. That was Wilcox's lone bowl win in four opportunities.

This season, Cal started 3-0 before being smashed 34-0 by host San Diego State. The Golden Bears were also routed 45-21 at home by Duke and were badly outclassed by host Stanford on Saturday when they committed three turnovers and were flagged for 13 penalties for 123 yards.

The Golden Bears' highlight victory of the campaign came on Nov. 8 when they won 29-26 at then-No. 15 Louisville.

Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has displayed promise with 2,787 yards and 13 touchdowns against nine interceptions. That was a big development for the program after standout Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana after last season.

--Field Level Media

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