Cal Head Coaching Big Board 1.0

After an era of Wilcox, in the midst of the Rolovich Regency, we begin the search for the new king

photo via Rob Hwang

It’s been nine long years since Cal last dipped its toes into the head football coach market, but fear not! Write For California is here to give you a primer. Below you will find a list of potential head coaching candidates. Some are on the list because they have been explicitly tied to Cal through reporting. Some are on the list because they have been tied to Cal, even though we do not think they are credible candidates based on our understanding of the situation. Some are on the list because we think they’re neat and wanted to talk about them!

They are placed in tiers based on how serious they are likely to be taken as actual candidates.

The Primary Candidate

We understand that many Cal fans have strong opinions about the lead candidate, but it is our understanding that he is, for better or for worse, indeed Cal’s leading candidate. Right now, it is Tosh Lupoi vs. the field, so we start here.

Tosh Lupoi

Current Job: Oregon Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: 4i-0-4i 3 down front developed by Saban at Bama and now used by Kirby Smart at Georgia. To quote hythloday1

The fundamental philosophy is that in modern football the pass is far more lethal than the run, so they “spill & kill” the run with as few personnel as they can. That means clogging B-gap runs with three down-linemen (typically in a 4i-0-4i) plus one inserted backer to stall — instead of outright stop — the back at the line of scrimmage and buy time for the other backers and safeties to come upfield, while freeing up the maximum feasible personnel against quick passes.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• California Defensive Line Coach- 2008-2011

• Alabama Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach - 2016-2018

Why he would be an exciting hire

He was the primary driver behind the best recruiting Cal has ever seen, and has spent the intervening 15 years learning under some of the very best head coaches and some of the very best programs college football has to offer. He’s currently the coordinator over the 5th best defense in the country per SP+ for a team that is about to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. He has seen, up close and personal, exactly what it takes to win college football games at the highest level.

Plus, among realistic candidates, he’s probably the one that would excite Cal’s donor class the most, and as a result be able to maximize Cal’s ability to meet House settlement revenue sharing fundraising goals.

Why he could be a risky hire

His time as a defensive coordinator at Alabama and Oregon all came while working under defensive geniuses, so it’s not clear to what extent Lupoi’s defenses were his own defenses vs. Nick Saban or Dan Lanning defenses. And is there any risk that certain Cal donors might not be willing to get on board with Lupoi because of simmering anger over Tosh’s exit from Cal after the 2011 season?

He would also be a first time head coach, with all the risks that come along with that. Is he ready to hire a staff, glad hand donors, deal with Cal administrators, and every other headache that comes along with the job?

Would he take the job if offered?

We’re not aware that Lupoi is a serious candidate for any other major job, and it’s rumored that Lupoi has an interest in returning to his alma mater. If Cal can convince him (or any candidate, really) that it takes football seriously, it’s hard to imagine he says no.

---

Guys who could become serious candidates if Lupoi isn’t the guy

These are names that nearly every well sourced, sharp reporter has connected to Cal because they are intriguing, successful coaches operating in the western side of the country.

Will Stein

Current Job: Oregon Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Multiple offense, the core is based on the 11/12 personnel looks out of shotgun and pistol. Flexible in run/pass tendencies based on his UTSA work. For more read hythloday1’s extremely high quality work.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• UTSA Passing Game Coordinator & Wide Receivers Coach- 2020-2021

• UTSA Co-OC & QB Coach - 2022

Why he would be an exciting hire

One of the up and coming offensive minds in college football, very young and energetic when it comes to it. Has strong connections with the Texas high school coaches and camps. Has shown an ability to adapt to his players’ strengths. “Just hire the Oregon OC” feels like a relatively safe bet, and it did work out pretty well last time.

Why he could be a risky hire

Young, only has a couple of years in the P4 sphere and has not established himself as a strong recruiter (nor is he a bad one, but a ? overall). His rolodex of possible assistant coaches is also likely to be thin. Would his offense look quite so good if he doesn’t have elite level talent up and down the two deep?

Would he take the job if offered?

He’s broadly seen as a big time candidate for a promotion to a major job without being directly connected to any specific jobs. As a result he’s likely to get jobs that could be more attractive than Cal. Specifically, he might want to wait for a better job in Texas due to his UTSA background. Furthermore, he might not be a fan of the contrast between Cal and UTSA/Oregon in regards to athletic department and academics.

Jason Eck

Current Job: New Mexico Head Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Offensive coach who likes to run zone run concepts out of the shotgun looks. Specifically the mid-zone looks with split zone motions. For additional detail refer to Chris H’s review of the 2023 Idaho team Eck coached.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Idaho Head Coach - 2022-2024

Why he would be an exciting hire

There’s something about the profile (offensive line guy, has won consistently at each stop at the G5/FCS level, has turned around a program (Idaho) that wasn’t winning when he got there (and since he left)) that I think has a clearer proof of concept than a lot of the alternatives out there. Can run the damn ball and keeps defenses guessing with a myriad of trick plays. Players coach through and through.

Why he could be a risky hire

Winning at Idaho and New Mexico is damned impressive . . . but the barriers at those places are very different types of barriers at Cal. And while scrounging together the best talent available at far flung football outposts is a valuable skill, will that translate to power conference football? Does he have enough experience despite the success to warrant the jump?

Would he take the job if offered?

Cal could roughly triple his salary, but Eck has been so unexpectedly successful at New Mexico that he’s getting connected to jobs all across the country, most prominently UCLA and Oregon State. He’s also a Wisconsin alum who was obviously connected to his alma mater when it looked like they might move on from Luke Fickell. Might Eck want to stick around a year and hope that Wisconsin comes calling next year?

Sean Lewis

Current Job: San Diego State Head Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Super fast tempo shotgun spread offense designed to give an underdog program a puncher’s chance, especially during his Kent State tenure. The run game is predicated on the power run game with pulling OL-men, the passing game involves motions to provide eye-candy for the defense to get distracted by.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Colorado Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach - 2023

• Kent State Head Coach - 2018-2022

• Syracuse Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach - 2016-2017

Why he would be an exciting hire

In two years, Sean Lewis turned around an almighty mess left behind by Brady Hoke at San Diego State, turning a 4-8 team into a team that is one win away from a regular season Mountain West Title. Also, Lewis is pretty much the only guy to reach even moderate success in the modern history of Kent State football.

Why he could be a risky hire

Lewis is nominally an offensively minded head coach, but his turnaround at SDSU is almost entirely on the back of a great defense. San Diego State’s offense is ranked 93rd in the country by SP+, and Lewis was fired from his last OC job (admittedly by an unreasonably impatient Deion Sanders). It says something about the market here when the stock report on some of these guys is so variable week-to-week. Lewis was getting his name thrown around a lot earlier this season for a bunch of the projected West Coast HC openings (Oregon State should still absolutely give him a call), but getting blasted 38-6 by Hawai’i doesn’t really scream ‘PROGRAM SAVIOR’.

Additionally, to what extent do you credit Lewis versus Rob Aurich for the turnaround of the Aztec defense? Lewis deserves praise for understanding the strengths of his own team and adjusting despite his background but there are additional questions to raise.

Would he take the job if offered?

It’s very unlikely he would stay at SDSU if offered, since Cal could more than double his salary, but it’s possible he’s also a candidate for UCLA and Stanford.

---

Sitting coordinators that we think are worth a look

We have no specific reporting or inside information tying these specific coaches to the Cal job, but a comprehensive search would consider candidates like these - successful offensive coordinators at major programs who could bring innovative ideas or major recruiting chops to Berkeley.

Ryan Grubb

Current Job: Alabama Offensive Coordinator

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: An air-raid tree pass heavy play-caller who has a penchant for taking deep shots down the field and taking passes early and often with a 60% pass rate.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator - 2024

• Washington Associate Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach - 2022-2023

Why he would be an exciting hire

Ran a high powered vertical attack, starting his run with Kalen DeBoer at Fresno State. The Bulldogs offense was always near the top of the Mountain West, led by transfer QB Jake Haener. Continued winning ways at Washington, putting together a high powered offense with Michael Penix Jr, Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan leading the charge. The Huskies would go on to the national title game behind that and a good offensive line with hard play action sets. Put Oregon on the backfoot early into the Dan Lanning tenure.

Why he could be a risky hire
His tenure at the Seattle Seahawks and University of Alabama since the Husky run has left quite a bit to be desired. The Seahawks never ran the ball effectively in 2024 and Bama fans are (while acknowledging those types of expectations) currently not thrilled with the lack of balance offensively. They point to Ty Simpson as the reason for success as opposed to the system put out by DeBoer and Grubb.

Would he take the job if offered?

Hard to know exactly, but has West Coast experience. Considering that he has been a position coach or coordinator for the last 20 years, he could feel ready to get the keys for his own program based on some of the recent perceived ire.

Kirby Moore

Current Job: Missouri Offensive Coordinator

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: No idea, I couldn’t find anything and I don’t have the time to review Mizzou tape or find a pdf… So maybe Tedford but modern? - Piotr

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Missouri Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach - 2023-2024

• Fresno State Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach - 2022

• Fresno State WR Coach- 2017-2021

Why he would be an exciting hire

He’s been involved with a series of solid offenses, from Washington to Fresno State to Missouri, has meaningful west coast connections, and learned under Jeff Tedford. He’s been a major part of Missouri’s surprise recent success in the SEC

Why he could be a risky hire

Beyond the usual concerns you’ll have over any first time head coach, he’s only ever coached under offensively-minded head coaches - is he ready to have full control over an offense?

Would he take the job if offered?

He was rumored to be a candidate for the Arkansas job, but that rumor was then denied by Missouri. It’s not currently clear if he’s getting major attention for power level jobs, so Cal could probably entice him.

---

Pipe Dreams

These are candidates that Cal probably doesn’t have any realistic shot to hire, but if you’re Ron Rivera you give them a call just to make sure they’re not secret football hippies dreaming about Telegraph Avenue.

Jon Sumrall

Current Job: Tulane Head Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Not as much of a schemer as he is a program builder where he has gone 23-4 at Troy and is currently 18-7 at Tulane. Technically a 3-3-5 guy but we can see him adapt to the DC and personnel.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Troy HC - 2022-2023

• Kentucky Co-Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach - 2021

Why he would be an exciting hire

One of the best ‘progrum’ builder in the country. Took a woeful Troy to a 23-4 record and then took over Willie Fritz’s Tulane and the Mean Green did not lose a step. Would make Cal a serious contender really quickly and show we’re serious in becoming a ‘progrum.’

Why he could be a risky hire

Let’s assume we hire him. There is a chance we’re basically a pitstop for him to wait for the Alabama job 1-2 years down the read. Would he leave the place better than he found it?

Would he take the job if offered?

All but guaranteed to get more attractive offers. Unless we give him a Lane Kiffin at LSU, governor gets involved in the process. Alas we’re not a net beneficiary to federal funds as a state so I don’t think this will happen. On top of that, it is hard to hire someone who has been penciled into the Auburn or Ole Miss jobs.

Eric Morris

Edit: Eric Morris has officially been announced as the next head coach of Oklahoma State. Off the board!

Current Job: North Texas Head Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Eric Morris is from the Incarnate Word spread offensive tree. Explosive passing game paired with an incredible eye for talent (was involved in recruiting Patrick Mahomes, recruited Cam Ward, John Mateer, and Drew Mestemaker who did not play HS football!). Leading UNT to a CFP push with a reported $2M roster.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Washington State Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach - 2022

• Incarnate Word Head Coach - 2018-2021

Why he would be an exciting hire

Fantastic talent offensive evaluator. Designed some of the most explosive offenses in the country while developing future NFL quarterbacks. Other offensive skill players are also just dudes that he has been able to find Wyatt Young in Texas, 250th recruit in the state, who is now 4th in the country in yards. Would probably bring much of his offense with him, including Mestemaker, who still has three years of eligibility left.

Why he could be a risky hire

Can feel like a redux of Sonny Dykes. Spent 1 year at WSU and immediately returned to Texas to UIW rather than be Wake Forrest’s OC. Also his defenses are quite questionable most of the years as a DC.

Would he take the job if offered?

Likely not, as mentioned before he’s a Texas guy through and through and will get offers from Arkansas and Oklahoma State, among other possible suitors.

---

“I guess I will give you a call”

A catch-all category for candidates who are either low tier options, non-serious options, or candidates who are connected to the job by low information media members and/or agents trying to get their clients a pay raise. Candidates in this tier mostly fall into the category of ‘we felt obligated to mention them for the sake of completion.’

Nick Rolovich

Current Job: Cal Interim Head Coach

Style Coaching/Personnel/Look: Run and shoot of the Hawai’i vintage. Lots of passing out of shotgun with the WRs adjusting on the fly with the coverage they face.

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Washington State Head Coach - 2020-2021

• Hawaii Head Coach - 2016-2019

• Nevada Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach - 2012-2015

Why he would be an exciting hire

Has a record of exciting offensive football, lead Hawai’i to their most recent 10 win season before leaving the Rainbow Warriors to WSU. He is a big fan of the Calgorithm and embraces the culture of the fandom as well as the Bay Area as a whole since he is a native of the region. His role in Cal’s 2025 offense might mean that he can help convince JKS stay at Cal.

Why he could be a risky hire

His star reached its zenith in 2018 where he lead the Hawai’i team to 10-5. Otherwise he was a .500 coach. His handling of Kassidy Woods, and the highly publicized conflict between him and the Washington state government are all indications that he will bring massive headaches to any school that hires him into a role of authority . . . and is he even that good of a coach? His role in Cal’s disappointing 2025 offense might mean he’s not the guy to finally build an above-average offense anyway.

Would he take the job if offered?

Likely yes. He has only been mentioned for the Oregon State and Colorado State openings. Meaning we’re likely his best offer if given.

DeSean Jackson

Current Job: Delaware State Head Coach

Notable Previous Jobs:

• n/a

Why he would be an exciting hire

Theoretically, you’re trying the Colorado + Deion playbook, but with a beloved alum?

In the last 30-odd years, Delaware State has one MEAC championship, and Jackson came up just 11 points short of a conference title in his first season in charge. It’s clear that his fame and charisma are working at the HBCU level - might it translate at Cal?

Why he could be a risky hire

One year ago, Jackson was the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson high school. Two years ago, he was busy retiring from the NFL. It is entirely possible that at some point in the future, DeSean Jackson could be the right guy for the job at Cal, but seriously considering him now feels VERY premature.

Would he take the job if offered?

Almost certainly. Delaware State has been, until this year, on the absolute lowest rung of FCS football, and Jackson isn’t likely to get serious interest after one season from anywhere . . . unless his alma mater comes calling? We have no reason to expect that Cal is ready, willing, or able to take a risk on Jackson after just one year of serious coaching, no matter how impressive that single year might be.

Tim Plough

Current Job: UC Davis Head Coach

Notable Previous Jobs:

• Boise State Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach - 2021-2022

• Cal Tight Ends Coach - 2023

Why he would be an exciting hire

He was closely involved in maybe the best Cal offense of the Wilcox era, and maybe it’s not a coincidence that the offense took a schematic step back after he left?

Why he could be a risky hire

He never had a chance to do much as an HC. Sure he has brought UC Davis to the FCS playoffs in 2024 and 2025, but Davis is a perennial FCS playoff participant, so Plough can’t exactly take credit for building the program up. Before that, he was relieved of his duties as OC at Boise State due to poor offensive performance of the team… who shortly thereafter made the CFP. Furthermore, there are few if any players he can bring from UC Davis that can make a Teddye Buchannan level impact on the program’s short term trajectory.

Would he take the job if offered?

Tim Plough is something of a replacement level candidate. Cal can increase his salary by an order of magnitude AND he’s not going to get serious looks from anywhere else on Cal’s level, meaning that he’ll be there as a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option.

Jim Mora

Edit: Jim Mora has been confirmed as the next head coach of Colorado State. Off the board!

Current Job: UConn Head Coach

Notable Previous Jobs:

• UCLA Head Coach - 2012-2017

• Seattle Seahawks Head Coach - 2009

• Seattle Seahawks Associate Head Coach and DB Coach - 2007-2008

• Atlanta Falcons Head Coach - 2004-2006

Why he would be an exciting hire

Maybe if we build a schedule as weak as UConn we can win nine games?

Why he could be a risky hire

He’s a classic retread who had an enticing peak followed by an ugly slide at UCLA; is he likely to do better in a second go-around out west?

Would he take the job if offered?

Well, his agent is actively trying to connect him to the Cal and Stanford jobs, but maybe that’s just a smokescreen to try to get a raise out of the Huskies.