Tosh Lupoi on Cal Football Spring Practice: Chemistry, Physicality, Science
The California Golden Bears have to build back a new culture this offseason.
We’re doing a quick lookback on the first week of spring practice. Here was the introduction from Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi.
Lupoi opened his first spring practice as California Golden Bears head coach with a clear emphasis on physicality, structure and culture, marking a shift from offseason conditioning into full-contact competition.
After an eight-week buildup, Lupoi framed spring as the next critical phase in installing his program.
“We’ve just completed what we refer to as phase one,” Lupoi said. “Now we get to let it rip here at a different speed.”
That next step includes a return to full pads and a deliberate focus on toughness.
“We need to establish ourselves as a physical group. You’ve got to practice that to earn the right to perform that way.”
Lupoi said most spring practices will feature full contact, with the goal of translating offseason fundamentals into game-like conditions.
“We’ve been able to practice technique without pads. Now it’s applying that in a true football setting.”
The Bears are expected to install the majority of their playbook by the end of spring, following a structured, NFL-style progression Lupoi has carried over to the college level. Situational work will be a priority to eliminate surprises in the fall.
“There’s a science to exactly what we do. In spring ball, there’ll be approximately ten installations on both offense and defense. The goal is to put our players in as many situations as possible so it’s never new come game day.”
While scheme is a focus, Lupoi repeatedly emphasized team chemistry and internal connection as foundational pieces of the program.
“We’re trying to build that chemistry — what we refer to as the power of unit. Competing and preparing for something much bigger than yourself. The honeymoon is a little bit over now. Now we’re in true, physical combat. We’ll find out who our real football players are.”
Staff construction has also been central to Lupoi’s transition. He hired first-time coordinators Michael Hutchings and Jordan Somerville, both of whom bring NFL experience despite limited playcalling backgrounds.
“Those were the guys that were top of the list. It’s the faith and belief in what those guys are capable of.”
Both coordinators will handle play-calling duties, part of what Lupoi described as a broader NFL-influenced approach across the staff. That influence extends beyond coaching hires. Lupoi has made a point to reconnect the program with its alumni base, regularly bringing former players back around the team.
“There wouldn’t be a single week that goes by where we didn’t have somebody of great magnitude back.”
Among those visiting have been Marshawn Lynch, Cameron Jordan and Jared Goff, along with other former players and professionals across industries.
“It’s not going to be something we put up on the wall. It’s going to be our actions that represent our culture.”
As the program adapts to the modern college landscape, Lupoi also addressed NIL opportunities, expressing support while maintaining a team-first mindset.
“We support those opportunities. But more so up here, it’s all about the team.”
With spring just beginning, Lupoi said player evaluation is ongoing and will accelerate once practices are underway. As the Bears take the field, Lupoi made clear that spring will be less about projection and more about proof.
“There’s some obviously talented individuals,” he said. “But now it’s directing and channeling that — seeing how they adapt to the system and how we adapt to them.”
“This is where we find out a lot about each other.”