California Football Shocks Fans by Snagging Oregon’s Controversial Tosh Lupoi as New Head Coach

So here we are—California football is calling one of its own back to the nest, hoping that Tosh Lupoi’s return isn’t just a homecoming but the spark that lights a fire under the Golden Bears’ program. After a rollercoaster 7-5 season that started hot and fizzled with defensive woes, the Bears decided enough was enough, waving goodbye to Justin Wilcox and betting on Lupoi, the Berkeley alum and crafty defensive mastermind who’s been sharpening his claws at Oregon. A guy with pedigree—Alabama, NFL stints, and now a Pac-12 force—he’s back at 44, primed to not just rebuild but redefine what Cal defense means. But here’s the kicker: can a defensive guru raised on Golden Bears grit really bring pride and punch back to a team hungry for identity? The stage is set, the fans are buzzing, and the question now is, will Lupoi turn strategy into swagger right back in Berkeley? LEARN MORE

California is turning to one of its own to reset the football program. The Golden Bears have officially hired Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as their new head coach. This comes after Week 14 of the 2025-26 season.

Lupoi is a California football alum and former standout defensive lineman in Berkeley. He returns home at age 44 to replace Justin Wilcox. This follows a four-year run guiding Oregon’s defense and linebackers, where he helped build some of the Pac-12’s most physical units. The hire caps a search that Cal football general manager Ron Rivera said began with roughly 14 candidates but increasingly centered on Lupoi. Fan and social‑media support for the Ducks assistant swelled and momentum behind his candidacy became impossible to ignore.

Reports indicate that while California had not formally announced the move at the time of the initial leaks, the deal was already in place. An introductory press conference has been scheduled for Friday afternoon. This move signals the start of a new era built around a familiar face and defensive identity in Berkeley.

California finished its 2025 campaign 7-5 after a promising 3–0 start. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and the offense showed flashes. That said, inconsistency and turnovers signaled deeper issues. A midseason stumble through Big Ten play and another year of underwhelming defensive production ultimately cost Wilcox his job. That cleared the way for Lupoi’s homecoming.

Lupoi’s coaching journey has been defined by rapid ascents and elite credentials. He began at Cal as defensive line coach (2008–11). After a stint at Washington, he spent five seasons at Alabama under Nick Saban. Lupoi then coached defensive lines for three NFL teams before returning to college in 2022 to orchestrate Oregon’s top-tier defense. Now, he comes home, entrusted with restoring pride, identity, and competitiveness to the Golden Bears.

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