I can't say that you're wrong but I'd offer a possible alternative: Tennessee was a comparable program to us in the mid-aughts, they were as bad or worse for an extended period afterward when the Haslems (owners of the Browns) ran the show, then enough donors revolted to match their contributions and put the program back on the right track. Idk if there's a concrete lesson to be learned since it was a superdonor who put them in a hole and others who brought them out -since you never know before the fact who's opinions are right- but there's a case to be made that investment by multiple parties who care can be the saving grace against the idiotic few who are driving a program into the dirtFred Bear said:
The good news is that more and more Cal fans are realizing that the emperor wears no clothes. But as long as there are donors who resist the obvious truth staring them in the face that nothing will ever change with Cal football until Wilcox and Knowlton are gone, Cal will continue trying to sell you on .500 seasons and the occasional bowl and consider it good enough.
The only thing that Cal listens to is when you stop giving them money. So if you want change, vote with your wallet. If they lose enough money, you can force change.
Photo by Cal Athletics
Cal Football
Rivera Named General Manager Of California Football Program
BERKELEY – Ron Rivera, a former All-American linebacker at Cal who went on to a highly successful professional playing and coaching career in the NFL, has been named General Manager of the Golden Bear football program, Chancellor Rich Lyons announced Thursday.
In this newly created role, Rivera will report to Chancellor Lyons while Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox will continue to report to Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton, who also reports to Lyons. This will help strengthen Cal's football program and ensure it can compete and win at the highest level. The General Manager will also focus on revenue generation and fundraising. The position will be fully funded by private philanthropy.
"The football program is an indispensable part of our university and our community. And, so, we are taking the steps necessary so that the team can excel in the changed landscape of intercollegiate athletics," Lyons said. "The combination of Ron's incredible football acumen and his powerful dedication to his alma mater makes him a perfect fit for this new role. It is an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the excellence I know our program is capable of."
Rivera played linebacker at Cal from 1980-83 before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the NFL Draft. He enjoyed a nine-year playing career, winning the Super Bowl in 1985.
Rivera went on to have a successful coaching career, including stints as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders. During his time with the Panthers, he was twice named the NFL Coach of the Year and led the team to the Super Bowl in 2015. He spent 13 years as an NFL Head Coach.
"I am fired up to be coming home," Rivera said. "My love and passion for Cal has never changed, and I couldn't be more excited about the future of our football program. I look forward to working with Chancellor Lyons as we look to Jim Knowlton, Justin Wilcox and all of our staff and players to compete for championships as we move forward in this new and rapidly changing era of college football."
"Chancellor Lyons and I have been discussing the potential for this role for quite some time, and to be able to fill this role with someone like Ron Rivera is beyond exciting," Knowlton said. "Not only does Ron understand football and the increasingly complicated landscape of intercollegiate athletics, he is fully committed to the ideals of the Cal student-athlete. This is a huge moment in time for our football program."
UC Berkeley is the latest in a growing number of universities that have decided to create a General Manager position. Chancellor Lyons wants to ensure Cal's football program can excel, and in order for that to happen, and for the student athletes to thrive, he wants to allow the head coach to focus on the team's performance, while the General Manager provides the leadership and expertise that will enable the program to successfully compete in the dramatically changed world of intercollegiate athletics. Today intercollegiate athletics programs must successfully address the challenges and opportunities presented by collectives, new rules regarding student-athlete compensation, a highly active transfer portal,and conference realignment
Rivera has remained connected to the University over the years. He and his wife, Stephanie, are Builders of Berkeley and have been consistent supporters of Cal's football, women's basketball, softball and golf programs. Stephanie Rivera played basketball at Cal and is a UC Berkeley Foundation Trustee and California Legends Collective board member.
"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Ron Rivera to this role," Wilcox said. "Ron has a passion for Cal football and loves this University. To have him help guide our program forward during these fast-changing times will be critical to our success."
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