Cal reportedly set to hire Julian Griffin of UTSA at running backs coach
The California Golden Bears have found a quick replacement for a crucial position.
A week after Aristotle Thompson left the Cal program, likely to accept a job at Northwestern, Justin Wilcox appears to have found the next coach up for the running backs. UTSA running back coach Julian Griffin appears to be the hire. Chris Hummer of 247Sports/CBS Sports had the first report.
Since arriving in 2020, Griffin is best known at UT San Antonio for his development of Sincere McCormick, who had back to back rushing seasons of 1,467 and 1,479 yards in 2020 and 2021. Since McCormick went off to the NFL, the Roadrunners have gone running back by committee spearheaded by Kevorian Barnes and Robert Henry, with three running backs hitting triple digits in yardage in 2022 and 2023, and then four in 2024. UTSA running backs still hit 1800+ rushing yards combined in both 2022 and 2023 and 1732 yards combined in 2024.
Griffin will be inheriting one of the best one-two running back punches in ACC football in Jaydn Ott and Jaivian Thomas, with capable talent like Jamaal Wiley, Byron Cardwell, and Justin-Williams Thomas still waiting in the wings. Griffin had previoous coaching stops at SMU, Arkansas, Central Methodist, ULM and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Cal now has two rumored new coaching hires that will fill out the current staff, as Colorado State cornerbacks coach Allen Brown just accepted a role to help coach the Cal secondary to replace Tre Watson (who was hired by TCU).
Welcome to Cal Julian! Go Bears!
Seems like a really good person; listening to him converse, he seems to have the wisdom to be humble. I think he’s well equipped to be a mentor and bond authentically with his players. Also, I like the way he talked about the different aspects of guys learning the RB position. Welcome, coach!
I’d rather find replacements at the P4 level for these positions. We must be looking to save money.