California is reportedly negotiating with Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to take over as the Golden Bears head coach, according to The Athletic. Details of the agreement and its expected completion date have not yet been revealed.
Lupoi, 44, is a former Cal defensive lineman from the early 2000s and began his coaching career at his alma mater, spending four seasons guiding the teams defensive front. He has overseen Oregons defense for the past four years, joining the program in 2022 following Dan Lannings arrival from Georgia.
Under Lupois leadership, the Ducks have fielded one of the nations top defenses in 2025 while posting a dominant 242 record across two seasons in the Big Ten. Oregon is allowing only 15 points per game entering the College Football Playoff. Only three opponents Penn State, Indiana and USC have surpassed 16 points against the Ducks, with Indiana the lone team to break 30.
Cal dismissed former head coach Justin Wilcox before the final game of the 2025 season following a loss to Stanford. Former Washington State coach Nick Rolovich is currently serving as the programs interim leader. The Bears finished the regular season 75 after a surprise victory over SMU that knocked the Mustangs out of ACC title contention for the second consecutive year.
Before joining Oregon, Lupoi spent three seasons in the NFL as a defensive line coach with three different franchises, most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. He previously worked under Freddie Kitchens with the Cleveland Browns in 2019. Prior to his NFL tenure, he spent five seasons at Alabama, rising from defensive analyst to defensive coordinator.
Lupoi is the second Oregon coordinator to secure a head coaching job this hiring cycle. Offensive coordinator Will Stein is set to take over at Kentucky after the season. Stein will continue calling plays for Oregon during the postseason, and Lupoi is likewise expected to remain with the Ducks until their playoff run concludes.
