The clock hits midnight on Cal football

Justin Wilcox, head coach of the California Golden Bears football team, is under scrutiny following another disappointing season. Wilcox was hired in a late coaching change to address declining ticket sales during the Sonny Dykes era. Initially showing promise by ending losing streaks against USC and Stanford and upsetting Washington, Cal has struggled offensively under Wilcox's leadership. The Bears' offensive production has plummeted to the bottom of the FBS rankings, and they have failed to maintain relevance, often flirting with the bottom 25 in power football metrics.

Personnel decisions have been inconsistent, with frequent changes in offensive coordinators and ongoing issues in strength and conditioning resulting in injuries to key players. Despite some defensive strengths, the team has faltered in crucial moments, often losing close games. The Cal athletic department has faced criticism for prematurely extending Wilcox's contract after a mediocre season, limiting the university's ability to make changes.

The Bears have notably underperformed against a weak schedule, averaging just 72 rushing yards per