Cal is reportedly targeting Tosh Lupoi, Oregon's defensive coordinator, as the replacement for Justin Wilcox, who was fired after a disappointing season. Lupoi, a former Cal player and coach, has built a strong reputation at Oregon, leading a top defense. If hired, his immediate challenge will be to retain standout freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, while also improving a defense that allowed 26.5 points per game this past season. This move comes amidst turnover in Oregon's coaching staff, as offensive coordinator Will Stein is also leaving for Kentucky.

By the Numbers
  • Lupoi's Oregon defense ranked 8th nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of 14.8 points per game.
  • Cal's defense finished 76th in the country, allowing 26.5 points per game.
Yes, But

While Lupoi has a solid track record, there are challenges ahead, including the risk of losing Sagapolutele to the transfer portal and the need to rebuild Cal's defense, which has underperformed compared to Oregon's standards.

State of Play
  • Cal's recent coaching change follows a 7-5 season capped by a rivalry loss to Stanford.
  • Lupoi's potential hiring highlights a shift towards returning to alumni for leadership roles within college programs.
What's Next

If Lupoi assumes the head coaching role, he will need to swiftly implement changes to improve the team's defense and retain key players, setting the course for the upcoming ACC competition.

Bottom Line

The appointment of Lupoi could signal a new era for Cal football, emphasizing a return to the program’s roots with a focus on strong defense and player retention, essential for competing effectively in the ACC.