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Cal Football

Veteran Former Cal OL Coach Steve Greatwood Returns to Program

October 18, 2022
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Cal head coach Justin Wilcox announced this morning that the program has brought in veteran offensive line coach Steve Greatwood as an analyst as of Sunday to help shore up a struggling Cal offense and offensive line.

Greatwood coached with great success for decades at Oregon, with stints in between with the LA Rams, USC and Maryland before coming to Cal from 2017 to 2019, retiring after Cal’s 8-5 Red Box Bowl winning season.

When he retired after the 2019 season, Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said of Greatwood: "Steve Greatwood is one of the best offensive line coaches in the history of our game and an even better person. I have the utmost respect for coach Wood and the work he has done over the last four decades.

“He was the first person I hired at Cal three years ago. The impact he made both on and off the field in the lives of our young men and his fellow coaches during his three seasons with our program will have a positive influence on our program for many years to come. I wish we could keep him around longer because he will be very difficult to replace, but he has built a tremendous foundation for our offensive line unit to build upon in the years ahead. If anyone has earned the right to enjoy his retirement and enjoy life, it's coach Wood."

In this morning’s media session, Wilcox addressed Greatwood’s return.

“It’s a performance-based business, for the coaches and players alike,” Wilcox said. “We have made a couple adjustments with our lineup this season and there’s a potential that could still evolve this week and in coming weeks. In terms of personnel, we added an analyst to the staff who’s familiar with us, Steve Greatwood. He joined us Sunday. An extra set of eyes and a person who’s universally respected, not only as an offensive line coach but as an offensive coach. Eyes and ears and maybe a little fresh perspective.

“Any chance to help make the program better and he’s here to support our staff and we welcome him back.”

Cal’s offense has struggled in four of their six games, culminating in a disastrous 13-point performance in their loss to previously-winless Colorado Saturday so something had to give.

“Ultimately, I’m responsible for all of this. I’m responsible for the performance of the team,” said Wilcox. “And then the coaches are responsible for their individual positions and the players are responsible for their individual play.

“None of us are satisfied with where we are as a team so we need to perform better. There’s no secret. There’s no excuse for us not to be playing better. We need to score. We need to put the ball in the end zone and we as coaches -myself and our offensive coaches- have to give our players better answers, whether that means technique, whether that means schematics, whether it means adjustment in who’s playing, we need to give them better answers. And the players, when they have the opportunity and they know what to do and have the tools and techniques to do it, then they’re responsible for making the play on Saturday.

“So it’s shared but ultimately, I take full responsibility of the team and we’re not performing well enough on offense right now.”

The Bears will likely need to score plenty of points to have a chance to beat 4-2 Washington Saturday. The Huskies lead the conference in scoring at 42.1 points per game behind portal transfer QB Michael Penix and new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Saturday’s contest will be Cal’s first night game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm at Memorial Stadium.

Discussion from...

Veteran Former Cal OL Coach Steve Greatwood Returns to Program

10,994 Views | 48 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by calumnus
bluehenbear
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Quote:

but he has built a tremendous foundation for our offensive line unit to build upon in the years ahead.
This quote didn't age well.

concernedparent
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Like bringing out a single life preserver on the Titanic.
Arcadiabear
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Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.
RighteousGoldenBear
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Wake me up when this program is ready for some real change.
oski003
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Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.


The season hasn't been thrown away, and the timing is right. Let's hope
we can get three more wins, which will be challenging given the circumstance. If we don't show major improvement, most of the offensive staff needs to be replaced at seasons end.
Arcadiabear
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oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.


The season hasn't been thrown away, and the timing is right. Let's hope
we can get three more wins, which will be challenging given the circumstance. If we don't show major improvement, most of the offensive staff needs to be replaced at seasons end.
We could have done this 4 weeks ago when we lost to notre dame's worst team in 15 years and maybe won the CO game which would put us 2 games from bowling.

Sure not the WHOLE season is lost but the damage is done. You think recruits who are deciding between Utah, CO, UCLA, UA and ASU are going to choose us after that game? especially offensive recruits?

You think Greatwood will work his magic TOMORROW?
Arcadiabear
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Also Wilcox's last presser said he is not at ALL considering a consultant then changed his tune one week later. If we would have won in OT nothing would be different. So prideful for such a low quality output/product
oski003
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Arcadiabear said:

oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.


The season hasn't been thrown away, and the timing is right. Let's hope
we can get three more wins, which will be challenging given the circumstance. If we don't show major improvement, most of the offensive staff needs to be replaced at seasons end.
We could have done this 4 weeks ago when we lost to notre dame's worst team in 15 years and maybe won the CO game which would put us 2 games from bowling.

Sure not the WHOLE season is lost but the damage is done. You think recruits who are deciding between Utah, CO, UCLA, UA and ASU are going to choose us after that game? especially offensive recruits?

You think Greatwood will work his magic TOMORROW?


You don't effectively can an OL coach because you got whopped by 5 star d linemen (unless you are a top 10 program). You do, however, put him on notice to fix stuff. CO broke the camel's back. They should have a good OC consultant too now, but not sure if we can have nice things.
Rushinbear
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Window dressing. A poor attempt to keep the wolves at bay. Six years in and this is what we get?
Arcadiabear
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oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.


The season hasn't been thrown away, and the timing is right. Let's hope
we can get three more wins, which will be challenging given the circumstance. If we don't show major improvement, most of the offensive staff needs to be replaced at seasons end.
We could have done this 4 weeks ago when we lost to notre dame's worst team in 15 years and maybe won the CO game which would put us 2 games from bowling.

Sure not the WHOLE season is lost but the damage is done. You think recruits who are deciding between Utah, CO, UCLA, UA and ASU are going to choose us after that game? especially offensive recruits?

You think Greatwood will work his magic TOMORROW?


You don't effectively can an OL coach because you got whopped by 5 star d linemen (unless you are a top 10 program). You do, however, put him on notice to fix stuff. CO broke the camel's back. They should have a good OC consultant too now, but not sure if we can have nice things.
I'd argue this though

Shouldn't Wilcox have noticed this before the season started? in practice? He could have called up greatwood over the summer to get some help.

I think this is what everyone is saying, Wilcox doesn't know what a good offense look like even if it hits him in the face
Bobodeluxe
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When he was here before, he did develop the foundation of what was to become The Super Senior (registered trademark of BearInsider. Use restricted to prior authorization only.) O Line group.

All is well!
oski003
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Arcadiabear said:

oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

oski003 said:

Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.


The season hasn't been thrown away, and the timing is right. Let's hope
we can get three more wins, which will be challenging given the circumstance. If we don't show major improvement, most of the offensive staff needs to be replaced at seasons end.
We could have done this 4 weeks ago when we lost to notre dame's worst team in 15 years and maybe won the CO game which would put us 2 games from bowling.

Sure not the WHOLE season is lost but the damage is done. You think recruits who are deciding between Utah, CO, UCLA, UA and ASU are going to choose us after that game? especially offensive recruits?

You think Greatwood will work his magic TOMORROW?


You don't effectively can an OL coach because you got whopped by 5 star d linemen (unless you are a top 10 program). You do, however, put him on notice to fix stuff. CO broke the camel's back. They should have a good OC consultant too now, but not sure if we can have nice things.
I'd argue this though

Shouldn't Wilcox have noticed this before the season started? in practice? He could have called up greatwood over the summer to get some help.

I think this is what everyone is saying, Wilcox doesn't know what a good offense look like even if it hits him in the face


Was our injury depleted DL whooping the OL in practice? I don't know. Regardless, Wilcox can't whiff on the next OC. I think we should break the bank on a coordinator. Do we have any money?
STEAKKNIVES4LIFE
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Meh.

Too little too late.
Big C
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Arcadiabear said:

Look. i am glad something is done. Props to Wilcox for caring (the bar is so low)

But were we too proud to do this at the beginning of this season? too proud to do this after the ND game? After the WSU game?

We had to wait until we lost to the WORST TEAM in the entire country before acting? So you are telling me that we threw away our season because of pride. Got it.

Yeah, if only we had, like, a bye week, where we could get sort of an in-season opportunity to work things out. Say, do we have a bye week this season? We do? When is it? Oh, it was two weeks ago? Oops...
calumnus
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Sure, bring back one of the guys who helped create the mess.

Because our OL and offense was so great when he was here?

Maybe we can get Baldwin to give Musgrave some advice too?

Moreover, if he is going to work with the players, he needs to be made the OL coach, since consultants cannot.

With no change in personnel or playcalling, better OL technique will improve the team maybe 1% and it will take time.

We have 11 year NFL OL and 3 time Pro Bowler Tarik Glenn on staff in a non-coaching role. Why not fire DeClure and make him the OL coach? Not only does he know at least as much about playing the position as Greatwood, he brings cred. Plus he can start the more important work of improving our recruiting.

91Cal
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If you fire Angus outright, I would expect that increases the likelihood that SV enters the portal at the first opportunity.

That said, the OC/playcalling deficiency has to be addressed as well. The mess isn't only attributable to the OL.
Golden One
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This laughable and insignificant move by Wilcox once again demonstrates why he is totally incapable of being a P5 Head Coach (or perhaps a head coach at any level). No doubt his next move will be to change the brand of toilet paper used in the locker room in hopes that will improve the offensive play calling. The sooner we get rid of this guy, the better in order to save our football program.
89Bear
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91Cal said:

If you fire Angus outright, I would expect that increases the likelihood that SV enters the portal at the first opportunity.

That said, the OC/playcalling deficiency has to be addressed as well. The mess isn't only attributable to the OL.
But if you fire Angus in the offseason, doesn't SV leave then?
Or are you suggesting you keep Angus and suffer the consequences in order to try to make SV stay?
calumnus
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91Cal said:

If you fire Angus outright, I would expect that increases the likelihood that SV enters the portal at the first opportunity.

That said, the OC/playcalling deficiency has to be addressed as well. The mess isn't only attributable to the OL.


What if 3 time Pro Bowler Tarik Glenn were promoted to OL Coach from his current administrative position? Would we lose players and recruits?

Greatwood could be HIS advisor (if he needs one).
Pittstop
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Angus could be moved to TE coach or ST, and a new OL coach (Glen?) Could be installed. Also, maybe Musgrave can be moved to QB coach (if not canned, altogether) and a new OC (Kenny Hill?) can be installed.
Rushinbear
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Pittstop said:

Angus could be moved to TE coach or ST, and a new OL coach (Glen?) Could be installed. Also, maybe Musgrave can be moved to QB coach (if not canned, altogether) and a new OC (Kenny Hill?) can be installed.
As I said before, you can't have new coaches looking over their shoulders at moved-out coaches whom no one had the guts to fire. This is window dressing to try to distract from the team's performance.
Big C
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Action Plan for next 3-4 months:

1. Tweak OL technique/strategy and play calling and salvage as many wins as we can.

2. Gotta keep Wilcox because of contract, so...

3. Invest in a TOP FLIGHT offensive coordinator and equally highly regarded O-line coach (both recruiting and "coaching up")

4. Where to get the $$$ for the premium assistant coaches? Well, we can just divert money from the NIL fu...

aw, s _ _ _ . . .
Bobodeluxe
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Big C said:


Action Plan for next 3-4 months:

1. Tweak OL technique/strategy and play calling and salvage as many wins as we can.

2. Gotta keep Wilcox because of contract, so...

3. Invest in a TOP FLIGHT offensive coordinator and equally highly regarded O-line coach (both recruiting and "coaching up")

4. Where to get the $$$ for the premium assistant coaches? Well, we can just divert money from the NIL fu...

aw, s _ _ _ . . .
Raid the University donor fund. Problem solved.
ducktilldeath
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Analyst Greatwood:

Your OC sucks.
Bobodeluxe
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ducktilldeath said:

Analyst Greatwood:

Your OC sucks.
Thank you for your service.
Big C
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Bobodeluxe said:

Big C said:


Action Plan for next 3-4 months:

1. Tweak OL technique/strategy and play calling and salvage as many wins as we can.

2. Gotta keep Wilcox because of contract, so...

3. Invest in a TOP FLIGHT offensive coordinator and equally highly regarded O-line coach (both recruiting and "coaching up")

4. Where to get the $$$ for the premium assistant coaches? Well, we can just divert money from the NIL fu...

aw, s _ _ _ . . .
Raid the University donor fund. Problem solved.

Doesn't the campus now have a food pantry for those in the Cal community who are food insecure? Raid that, too! Are we serious about winning, or what?
heartofthebear
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Pittstop said:

Angus could be moved to TE coach or ST, and a new OL coach (Glen?) Could be installed. Also, maybe Musgrave can be moved to QB coach (if not canned, altogether) and a new OC (Kenny Hill?) can be installed.
NO
I think has regressed since working under Musgrave.
PTownYogi
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How about hiring a HC consultant?
Cal_79
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91Cal said:

If you fire Angus outright, I would expect that increases the likelihood that SV enters the portal at the first opportunity.

That said, the OC/playcalling deficiency has to be addressed as well. The mess isn't only attributable to the OL.

I can live with that consequence if that were to happen.
BearoutEast67
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I like the effort!
Donate to Cal's NIL at https://calegends.com/donation/
MilleniaBear
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Even though I advocated something like this I have to say this could backfire. The most important thing for a coaching staff is solidarity. Greatwood's input may not be welcomed. The HC is going to have to use all his diplomacy to get this to produce a positive impact.
calumnus
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Hopefully this doesn't mean Wilcox thinks Musgrave's play calls we're good but "we just have to block better."

Even IF that were the only problem, I don't think the introduction of some "blocking" (er holding) techniques is going to move the needle.

The only chance got an immediate improvement is in better playcalling and I believe it was WIAF who said there would be changes?. I hope we find out what those will be soon. Hope it is not just Musgrave to the booth.
oski003
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MilleniaBear said:

Even though I advocated something like this I have to say this could backfire. The most important thing for a coaching staff is solidarity. Greatwood's input may not be welcomed. The HC is going to have to use all his diplomacy to get this to produce a positive impact.


Then fire Angus ASAP.
movielover
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PTownYogi said:

How about hiring a HC consultant?


I thought he fills that role?

JW: "...In terms of personnel, we added an analyst to the staff who's familiar with us, Steve Greatwood. He joined us Sunday. An extra set of eyes and a person who's universally respected, not only as an offensive line coach **but as an offensive coach.** Eyes and ears and maybe a little fresh perspective"
Deutsch
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Only relevant Q: will this (or any other tweak) help in getting the ball to playmakers in space?
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