California has fired coach Justin Wilcox, sources informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Sunday, after the Golden Bears fell to 6-5 following a sloppy loss to Stanford.
Cal analyst Nick Rolovich is predicted to be the interim coach, sources informed ESPN.
Wilcox, who was 48-55 in his Cal tenure, hasn’t completed a season with a successful document since 2019.
Within the 31-10 loss to Stanford, Cal tied for its most penalties (13) and had its most penalty yards (128) in a recreation in 9 seasons beneath Wilcox, together with three misplaced fumbles. The loss got here one recreation after Cal beat No. 14 Louisville on the highway for its first win over a ranked opponent since 2020.
“I perceive their ache,” Wilcox stated concerning the fan base after Saturday’s loss. “I perceive the frustration. We’re working as laborious as we presumably can to play nearly as good as we will and we did not do this tonight.”
Wilcox, 49, who was signed at Cal by 2027, led the Golden Bears to bowl appearances the previous two seasons, however his spectacular offense from 2024 was raided within the switch portal, prompting questions on the ability positions headed into this season. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana, operating again Jaydn Ott took off for Oklahoma, and tight finish Jack Endries landed at Texas, leaving gaping holes on a group coming into its second season within the ACC.
Even with these offensive standouts, Cal’s 2024 season ended with seven losses, and several other questions. That model of the Bears misplaced 5 video games by eight factors or fewer, persevering with a problematic development beneath Wilcox, who was 6-19 in one-score video games from 2020-24.
The Related Press contributed to this report.