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Cal football is parting ways with head coach Justin Wilcox. General manager Ron Rivera released a statement on the firing following a rivalry loss to Stanford.
The decision triggers Wilcox’s buyout, which exceeds $10 million. Money was not a deterrent in the move. Rivera had donors’ full support.
Cal created the GM position with Rivera in mind after seeing the Cardinal do the same with Andrew Luck. Initially, he was set to report to the university’s chancellor. Wilcox answered to the athletic director.
Boosters reportedly demanded change.
Money men threatened to hold back financial support unless Rivera gained full control of the football program. That may have included Wilcox’s answering to the GM, not the AD.
The chancellor remained confident in the original plan.
I am confident we have the right people, in the right places, doing the right things in support of a Cal Athletics football program that can and will excel. The world of intercollegiate sports is changing rapidly, and Cal will continue to adapt rapidly to that.
— Chancellor Lyons
Eventually, however, Rivera was given the keys to the car.
“People are wondering if I have the power to make decisions. Yes, I do. I’m driving the car. Chancellor (Rich) Lyons, (Athletic Director) Jim Knowlton and (HC) Justin Wilcox are in the car with me. We’re all charting a course. But I’m driving.”
Now, he’s made his first significant move as GM.
Justin Wilcox has been fired.
The coach spent nearly a decade in Berkeley, leading the Bears to a 48-55 overall record. That included an 8-5 campaign in 2019 that represented his most productive with the program.
Unfortunately, Cal has failed to produce a winning season since. Wilcox is 28-36 since the start of 2020. He’s lost both of his postseason opportunities.
The Bears entered this past Saturday win an opportunity to exceed the head coach’s best output. At 6-4, the path to nine wins was on the table with a bowl game in mind.
That is no longer the case.
Cal was beaten handily by Stanford in The Game. They were forced to give up The Axe trophy for the first time in four years.
The Bears were outexecuted in every phase. Cal’s offense was outscored by both the Stanford offensive and defensive units. The result was a 31-10 shellacking.
Ron Rivera saw enough. He opted to make a $10 million move.
Buyout details.
Wilcox signed an extension in 2022 that was set to keep him around through 2027. The Bears have ended that marriage early.
“I want to thank Justin for all of his contributions to our football program, our athletic department and our university. He has always comported himself with class and professionalism. After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership. We wish Justin the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
In doing so, they’ll owe the head coach $10,879,167 in buyout money. That was not an issue.
From all accounts, Wilcox was a standup leader that represented the university well. With that said, this is a business based on wins and losses.
Rivera was hired to control all things related to the football program. That includes the status of the head coach. The general manager saw the downward spiral that followed a 5-2 start to the season.
He fired Justin Wilcox with the boosters’ blessing.