Report: Cal Fires Coach Justin Wilcox After Big Game Collapse

Cal has dismissed head coach Justin Wilcox following a 31-10 loss to Stanford in the Big Game, as confirmed by the athletic department. Ron Rivera, Cal's football general manager, cited the decision for new leadership despite Wilcox's contributions and professionalism. Nick Rolovich, previously head coach at Washington State and currently a Cal analyst, will take over as interim coach.

Cal chancellor Rich Lyons has emphasized the need for improved performance, expressing that the program's support must yield more than a .500 record. The Bears, currently 6-5, face SMU as 10-point underdogs. Wilcox, in his ninth season, holds a 48-55 record and led Cal to its third consecutive bowl eligibility, but the team has not had a winning season since 2019. Wilcox's contract, extending through 2027, includes a buyout.

Ron Rivera, hired as the program's first general manager, was given authority over coaching decisions. Despite past support for