Rivera Says Cal Must Show Progress Under Lupoi

Cal athletic director and general manager Ron Rivera said the football program needs to show progress under first-year head coach Tosh Lupoi, whose team has struggled this season. Rivera made the remarks during KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” morning show on November 5, 2026.

Rivera said Lupoi entered the job as a first-time head coach and brought in coordinators with limited experience. He said the offense had not performed as needed and that he had offered Lupoi advice. Lupoi, a former Cal player, previously worked as an assistant at Alabama and as Oregon’s defensive coordinator.

Rivera described Lupoi as someone still learning, but said the team now needs to demonstrate development among its players, a stronger culture and a solid foundation. He said Cal must put players in position to succeed and show it is ready to move forward.

Rivera’s comments put emphasis on the team’s progress as the season proceeds. The report suggested Cal’s finish could affect whether Lupoi remains head coach, but Rivera did not explicitly say he had decided Lupoi’s future.