Wilcox will pick new coaches soon
Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said Monday night that he’s already interviewed candidates as replacements for offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and running backs coach, and he expects to announce the hires in “the shortterm.”
Offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin is taking the head coaching job at Cal Poly and bringing running backs coach Nicholas Edwards with him. Offensive line coach Steve
Greatwood is retiring. Wilcox didn’t reveal names of those in the running to replace the offensive coaches, but he did speak about what he’s seeking.
“First, is a person who fits at Cal and will coach our players the right way,” he said after the Bears’ 3520 Redbox Bowl victory over Illinois. “I think there are a lot of people who can draw plays, but you have to find the right type of coach for our players and the system that fits us.”
There should be plenty of good candidates;
the Bears are expected to return every offensive starter except wide receiver Jordan Duncan.
Quarterback Chase Garbers was named the Outstanding Offensive Player in the Redbox Bowl, Christopher Brown Jr. just completed a 966yard rushing season, and several receivers have emerged.
Happy about hardware: Senior defensive end Zeandae Johnson was named the Outstanding Defensive Player for a performance that included two tackles for a loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Johnson, who is expected to receive a sixth year of eligibility because of medical hardships. “I brought the hardware to my dad and called my mom to share with everybody.”
Goto guy? Freshman receiver Makai Polk — who had 14 catches for 190 yards and two TDs in his first 12 games — had five receptions for a gamehigh 105 yards against Illinois.
“He grew a lot, especially mentally,” Garbers said. “He’s a true freshman, and it’s kind of hard to come into a college program and play right away and contribute. But he stuck it out the entire year and showed a lot of promise. We can’t wait for next year with him.”