cam, let's utilize metrics in evaluating the current staff, ok?
the bears are dead last in the pac 12 right now in both sacks (10) & tackles for loss (30) & 8th in interceptions (8) which is often a function of qbs making poor decisions while under duress
the cal defensive scheme is designed for the d-lineman to engage the opposing offensive lineman & funnel action towards the inside linebackers which is why guys like kaleb elarms-orr & jackson sirmon are national tackling machines in the footsteps of evan weaver & jordan kunaszyk
the sirmon/wilcox bend don't break defensive scheme can work but cannot work without violent production from the outside linebackers...the play of both starting outside backers xavier carlton (3 sacks/4 tfl) & myles jernigan (1 sack/2.5 tfl) has been uneven & disappointing, that's a function of the lack of effective developmental coaching
the olb coach has also been asked to handle the special teams coaching for which he is 100% unqualified as evidenced by the special teams stats
the bears have returned 7 punts this season for 28 yards with a longest return of 13 yards, that's easily the worst production in the pac 12 & probably the nation...while jeremiah hunter got good hands he lacks the quick twitch lateral movement explosiveness of great returners like desean jackson
the bears are averaging 16.63 yards on kickoff returns with a longest return of 26 yards, that's really bad too...the blocking schemes are non existent
the bears punt return coverage is allowing a pac 12 worst 14.47 yards which is a function of both a lack of lane discipline & also low trajectory punts...oregon got 75 yards in punt returns
the bears kickoff coverage outside of the usc game has been abysmal...oregon got 78 yards in kickoff returns
the bears lost the auburn game because of 3 missed field goals
bottom line, coach so'oto would be the obvious assistant coach to have his contract non renewed after the season due to the lack of results with both the outside linebackers & the special teams units
back in the day justin wilcox wuz a young outstanding linebackers coach in berkeley, it would make a lotta sense to hire a full time experienced special teams coach that 100% understands the nuances of this critical component of the game & for our head coach to assume the responsibilities of the outside linebackers room
by all accounts vic is a great guy but college football is a results based profession for winning programs...kyle willingham is a future hall of fame coach who wins big with good not great recruits because he prioritizes winning football games over any personal relationships with the utes staff...ima not sure justin is wired that way tho, he's a very loyal person which is a great trait in ur best friend/loved ones but not a head coach
cam, there are still 3 games left in the 2023 season but that's how things look to me at this time