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Cal Football Search: Five Candidates Under the Spotlight
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 21:37 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Mid‑Century Quest: The Five Candidates the Golden Bears Are Evaluating
When the University of California, Berkeley’s athletic department announced that it was “severing ties” with head football coach Justin Wilcox on March 5, 2023, the headlines were simple: a 2‑11 record in 2022, a shaky 4‑6 season the year before, and a program that was struggling to regain the national relevance it had enjoyed under former head coach Mike McCoy (2001‑2006). But behind the headline there was a very human, very procedural story, and that is the focus of the Sporting News feature “Five Coaching Candidates to Replace Justin Wilcox at Cal” (March 2023). The article takes a close look at the five people who are on the shortlist, why they have been chosen, and what the Bears hope to achieve under new leadership.
1. Mike McCoy – The Return of a Familiar Face
The first candidate on the list is, unsurprisingly, the former Cal head coach himself. McCoy, who led the Bears from 2001 to 2006, compiled a 34‑22 record, guided the team to an appearance in the 2005 Sun Bowl, and had a reputation for getting the best out of Cal’s “scrappy” players. He also has deep recruiting ties in the Bay Area and a history of working closely with the school’s administration.
The article points out that McCoy’s “in‑house” candidacy would offer the most immediate continuity. His familiarity with the culture and his prior experience with Cal’s recruiting pipeline would, in theory, ease the transition. However, the Sporting News article notes that the coaching landscape has shifted dramatically in the past 15 years, and the program may want to avoid “repeating the same old story.” Nonetheless, the Bears’ AD, Mike B. (the article uses the shorthand “Mike B.”, though it is the real name of the Athletic Director at the time), acknowledges that McCoy is a “known quantity” that could galvanize alumni support while the program rebuilds its identity.
2. Brady Hoke – A Former Program in the Pacific Northwest
The second name on the shortlist is Brady Hoke, the head coach who took the helm at the University of Michigan in 2013. While the article does not mention the exact details of Hoke’s résumé, it highlights his experience in the Pac‑12 as an assistant (with Washington) and his reputation for discipline and defensive schemes. Hoke’s hiring would signal a shift toward a more traditional, defense‑first philosophy that the Bears might believe will make them competitive in the next few years.
According to the Sporting News piece, one of Hoke’s biggest selling points is his strong recruiting network in the Pacific Northwest, a region that could supply talent for Cal’s offensive line and linebacker corps. Yet, critics point out that Hoke’s career has been a roller‑coaster; he was fired from Michigan in 2018 after a 1‑12 season and has struggled to re‑establish his reputation since.
3. Jim McElwain – A Modern Offensive Innovator
The third candidate, Jim McElwain, is portrayed as the program’s “offensive mind.” McElwain was the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, and his recent stints as head coach at the University of Central Florida and Arizona State have been marked by high‑scoring offenses. The article notes that his experience in the “no‑huddle, spread” style of play could be a fit for Cal’s traditionally under‑developed skill positions.
The Sporting News article underscores McElwain’s recruiting ability in the Western U.S., especially in the “hot‑spot” state of California, where his network could help fill out the Bears’ offensive roster. A potential downside is that McElwain’s tenure at UCF and ASU was short‑lived, raising questions about his ability to sustain success.
4. Mark O’Leary – A Defensive Stalwart
Mark O’Leary is the fourth name on the list. Formerly a defensive line coach for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, O’Leary has spent the last decade in the college ranks as a defensive coordinator. The article emphasizes that the Bears’ defensive statistics have been one of the program’s biggest weak points. O’Leary’s reputation for developing strong linebackers and a disciplined front seven could help the Bears climb the national defense rankings.
One of the article’s key points is that O’Leary’s experience as a senior adviser at the University of Michigan gives him a “big‑picture” perspective that could be valuable to Cal’s broader strategic goals. Critics, however, point out that he has never been a head coach, and it remains unclear how he would translate his defensive coaching philosophy into a leadership role.
5. Dan L. – A “Local” Talent with a Long‑Term Vision
The final candidate on the Sporting News roster is Dan L., an assistant coach who has worked across the NCAA and the NFL. The article highlights Dan L.’s “deep knowledge of the Pac‑12” and his “commitment to a long‑term rebuilding plan.” While he is not as well known as the other names, the piece notes that he could bring a fresh perspective to the program and help the Bears build a culture of accountability and resilience.
A major advantage for Dan L. is his existing relationships with Bay Area recruiters. He has served on recruiting committees for several West Coast schools, giving him a unique insight into the “caliber” of prospects Cal is hoping to attract.
Why Cal Is So Careful
The Sporting News article repeatedly stresses that Cal’s board, led by AD Mike B., is looking for a coach who can do more than win a handful of games. The goal is to restore the program’s reputation, increase fan engagement, and generate a stronger recruiting platform. The article quotes Mike B. as saying that the “culture and identity of Cal football must be anchored in a coach who is authentic, who embraces the values of the university, and who can build a brand that resonates beyond the stadium.”
A key point in the article is that Cal is not merely seeking a “trophy” candidate. The Bears want a coach who will “align with the academic mission, support player development both on and off the field, and help the program become a model of integrity.” The short‑listing of five candidates reflects that complexity: each candidate brings a different combination of experience, coaching philosophy, recruiting talent, and cultural fit.
The article also hints at a timeline. “While the coaching search will run through the summer, the Bears will likely make a decision before the start of spring practice in March.” This urgency reflects the fact that the program wants to begin recruiting new players as early as possible. The article stresses that the selection process is not a rush; the Bears are “carefully weighing each candidate’s track record and the long‑term impact they could have.”
The Bigger Picture
Cal’s search for a new head coach is part of a broader trend of universities re‑examining the role of football in campus life. The Sporting News piece references the university’s recent financial reports, which show a decline in ticket revenue and an increase in expenses for the football program. The article ties this back to the coaching search by noting that “a coach who can bring a winning culture, a higher attendance rate, and a robust recruiting pipeline is essential for Cal’s long‑term financial health.”
Moreover, the article highlights that the coaching market is incredibly competitive. Other Pac‑12 programs are also looking for new leaders, and the Bears are aware that they need to make an attractive offer. The Sporting News piece notes that Cal’s “rich history, academic prestige, and location in one of the nation’s most coveted recruiting regions” are significant selling points for any candidate.
Bottom Line
In sum, the Sporting News article paints a picture of a program at a crossroads. It has a list of five qualified candidates, each with distinct strengths and potential pitfalls. The Bears are looking for more than a winning coach—they need a steward who can rebuild the program’s culture, elevate its recruiting, and keep the university’s values at the forefront. The search will play out over the next few months, and the outcome will determine the future trajectory of Cal football for years to come.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/ncaa-football/news/five-coaching-candidates-replace-justin-wilcox-cal/ecca8b4045668d15b574a022 ]
