California fires football coach Justin Wilcox after 9 seasons

California fired football coach Justin Wilcox, the school announced on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The firing comes following a 31-10 loss to rival Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 22. The loss dropped Cal to 6-5 on the season. Senior offensive assistant Nick Rolovich was named the interim coach.

‘I want to thank Justin for all of his contributions to our football program, our athletic department and our university,’ Cal general manager Ron Rivera said. ‘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.’

Wilcox has been the coach for the Bears since 2017 and has posted a 48-55 record over his nine seasons leading the program. His best season came in 2019, when he led the team to an 8-5 record. The Golden Bears have been between five and seven wins every other season. Cal has not finished with a winning record since 2019.

Cal started the season 3-0 and was 5-2 entering its contest against Virginia Tech on Oct. 24. However, the Bears lost to 42-34 to the Hokies on that day, and have stumbled to a 1-3 record over the past four games.

In the loss to Stanford on Saturday, Cal was called for 13 penalties for 128 yards ― both of which are the most under Wilcox ― and lost three fumbles, including two returned for touchdowns.

‘I understand their pain,’ Wilcox said about Cal fans following the loss on Saturday. ‘I understand the frustration. We’re working as hard as we possibly can to play as good as we can and we didn’t do that tonight.’

Justin Wilcox buyout

Cal owes Wilcox $10,879,167, according to contract information obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Wilcox collected $4.8 million in 2025. His contract ran through the 2027 season.