Bear Insider: Darian Hagan Commits to Cal

Rated the nation’s 5th best defensive back and 78th best prospect overall by Scout.com, Hagan brings a star power and athleticism the Bears were coveting for their defensive backfield.

Read the story at:

http://california.scout.com/2/493621.html

 

Bear Insider: Darian Hagan Commits to Cal

Rated the nation’s 5th best defensive back and 78th best prospect overall by Scout.com, Hagan brings a star power and athleticism the Bears were coveting for their defensive backfield.

Read the story at:

http://california.scout.com/2/493621.html

 

Maryville TN Daily Times: Tennessee recruiters waiting on several prospects

(This article is about Cal’s first opponent this seasons – ed.)

 

By Austin Price

Daily Times Correspondent

Tennessee is still trying to fill needs on both the offensive and defensive lines for its 2006 signing class. On the offensive side, the Vols will hear the impending announcement of guard Antonio Logan-El later this afternoon, while on defense they wait for defensive tackle L.T. Walker. Walker visited Rocky Top this past weekend and came away with a large smile on his face.  ``It was great, a real fun trip,'' Walker said. ``The atmosphere of the campus, city and the basketball game was awesome, and the academics there are great, they will give you all the help you need.''  Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 308 pounds, Walker is still considering Louisville, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Walker admits that the process has been trying, ``I'm just ready to get it over and make my decision.'' Tennessee has had success in pulling players out of Arkansas in the past, and Walker will be the last chance for Phillip Fulmer and company this season. Having Arkansas native Roshaun Fellows host Walker didn't hurt the Vols. ``I noticed that they had a lot of players from Arkansas on their roster so that made me feel comfortable; Roshaun was really cool,'' Walker said. ``Tennessee has great tradition, and a great overall program. ``They get players into the league each and every year.''  Walker hopes to make a decision by the middle of next week. The Vols got another boost Monday night when three star quarterback prospect Nick Stephens (6'3, 195 pounds) confirmed he intends to sign with Tennessee. The Flower Mound, Texas product chose UT over Michigan. Both schools began a late chase after Stephens decommitted from Ole Miss last week when the Rebels announced the addition of former Vol signal-caller Brent Schaeffer to their roster.

Warren Update

A few Vol fans are still holding out hope for Alcoa's Mr. Football winner, Brandon Warren. The Daily Times caught up with Warren during his official visit to Florida State over the weekend.  ``It's going really well, meeting with all the players and coaches, it's been a blast so far,'' Warren stated while waiting to leave for a Florida State basketball game Sunday evening.  ``The team chemistry is great, and it feels like a great place for me to be. It's like I've known the players all my life,'' said the Seminoles' commitment.

Warren's mother and four other family members made the trip to Tallahassee.  ``They love it, and it feels like a family down here to them. They have treated my mother great,'' said Warren. ``I think it gives (family members) a better feel for things, and it doesn't make them as nervous about me leaving.'' Warren still plans on making the drive down Alcoa highway to Rocky Top next weekend.  ``Things are still pretty much the same. I promised them I would visit there next weekend, and I intend to live up to my end of the deal,'' Warren stated. Warren will make his final choice on where he will spend his next four years on January 30.

Contra Costa Times: Tedford committed to keeping recruits

Poaching is always a problem for coaches until letter-of-intent day arrives

By Jay Heater

As the time passes slowly toward Feb. 1, the first day high school seniors can sign letters of intent to play football in college, Cal coach Jeff Tedford nervously will be checking on every one of his recruits.

Cal's fortunes have shot up since Tedford took over in 2002, and so has the pressure to keep blue-chip recruits after they make oral commitments. Tedford is dealing with a more elite level of athlete now than he did in his first recruiting season, so the risk of poaching is greater.

Included in Tedford's current "oral commitment" class is Rancho Cordova High School senior James Montgomery, who rushed for 2,183 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. The Sacramento Bee's Player of the Year previously had committed to Washington but then changed his mind and gave Tedford an oral commitment last week.

It's not likely that Washington or Oregon, which also came within an eyelash from getting a commitment from Montgomery, will back off even though Tedford appears to have won the battle. Rumors spread that Montgomery chose Cal to satisfy his family.  "I made my own decision," Montgomery said emphatically by telephone from his home Wednesday. "I wanted to go to Cal. It's just a little closer to home."  Besides distance, Montgomery said he has been very impressed with Tedford's offense.  "Coach Tedford is a cool dude," he said. "And his offense is so balanced."  Montgomery said he likes the diversity of assignments carried out by Cal's tailbacks, who sometimes split out to a wide receiver position. He said he should fit well into the system. And he wants to fit into the system next season.  "I'm probably not going to redshirt," he said.  Although Cal fans have been celebrating his oral commitment, Montgomery said he didn't know that his decision to attend Cal would cause such a stir.

"That's cool," he said.  One reason that Cal fans are so interested in Montgomery is that current starting tailback Marshawn Lynch doesn't figure to be around after his junior season, and the Bears will need a replacement.  "Yeah, (Lynch) told me he is going pro," Montgomery said. Besides Montgomery, Tedford has oral commitments from running backs Tracy Slocum of Clovis East and R.J. Garrett of Crenshaw-Los Angeles. With 19 oral commitments so far, Tedford's work is just about done. His highest-profile recruits are Montgomery, Monte Vista defensive tackle Mike Costanzo, Beaverton (Ore.) quarterback Kevin Riley and McClymonds defensive tackle Derrick Hill.  Tedford also has filled needs by signing junior-college offensive lineman Mike Gibson of Solano College along with Saddleback College punter Andrew Larson.

Still on Tedford's wish list are offensive lineman Steve Schilling of Bellevue, Wash., and Crenshaw-Los Angeles defensive back Darian Hagan.  Cal's recruiting class to date is ranked No. 22 overall by Scout.com, and if Tedford can land either Schilling or Hagan, that ranking should go higher. Hagan is expected to announce his choice next Thursday.  Costanzo said he is excited about Cal's haul, especially Hill.  "Competition between us can only make me better," Costanzo said. "That's going to be good for both of us. I was hoping we would get Derrick because he is such a big-time guy."

UNLV Rebel News: Las Vegas Bowl: Cal Lynches BYU for Vegas Bowl victory

(Apparently UNLV just returned from Winter break – ed.)

By: Barry Wong

More than 40,000 football fans were treated to an offensive showcase at the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 22. Sam Boyd Stadium welcomed the Pac-10's University of California and the Mountain West Conference's Brigham Young University. During the first quarter, scoring was quiet. The lone touchdown came from a three-yard run from California runningback Marshawn Lynch. The eight-play, 65-yard drive put the Golden Bears up 7-0 early. With five minutes left in the first, BYU quarterback John Beck began a long drive starting from the Cougar eight-yard line. The 15-play drive was capped by a 19-yard touchdown reception by running back Curtis Brown. The Bears answered quickly with help from two 15-yard penalties on the Cougar defense. Lynch would score from 23 yards away to put the Bears ahead 14-7. Again with five minutes left in the quarter, Beck began a drive from inside the Cougar 10-yard line. Led by a 52-yard completion to wide receiver Todd Watkins, BYU went 91 yards in only seven plays to tie the game.

As California took possession with only 30 seconds remaining, California quarterback Steve Levy connected on a 42-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver DeSean Jackson to give the Golden Bears a seven-point lead at the half. The third quarter featured more Golden Bear offense. Lynch scored from 35 yards out to finish a 65-yard drive early in the quarter. At the end of the third, Jackson made a highlight reel catch to score from 22 yards out. The touchdown capped a six-play, 96-yard drive. Trailing 35-14 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, BYU fought back. The Cougars scored on two four-and-half minute drives. A 74-yard drive was capped by a seven-yard touchdown grab by tight end Jonny Harline, and a 96-yard drive ended with an 11-yard touchdown reception by Watkins. BYU couldn't manage another scoring drive, and California held on to win the game 35-28. Lynch, the game's most valuable player, finished with 194 yards on 24 carries and had three touchdowns. Jackson had six catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Levy completed 16 of 23 pass attempts for 228 yards. For the Cougars, Beck finished 35 of 53 for 352 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Beck also led BYU in rushing with 42 yards on the ground.

News On the University of Tennessee Volunteers

Note: Cal’s opening game this year is at Tennessee on September 2.  While the Vols went 5-6 in 2005, they will still be a tough opponent, so I’ll add news relating to their football program to this blog.

 

SEARS, FOUR OTHER ANNOUNCE THEY'RE STAYING AT UT

Sears said he wanted to have a chance to be a leader

By ELIZABETH A. DAVIS

AP Sports Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Offensive lineman Arron Sears was not ready to leave Tennessee after a disastrous 5-6 season.  Sears and four other juniors said Wednesday they were staying for their senior seasons instead of leaving early for the NFL.  Only offensive guard Rob Smith has declared his intention to forgo his senior year. Sears was the only other player whose future was unclear.  "I'm definitely not a loser, and you can't go out on a bad foot like we did last season," Sears said. "Everywhere I've been I've been a winner."  The draft advisory board predicted Sears would be picked in the third or fourth round, and Smith's decision made it more difficult for Sears.  "It was very hard with agents out there telling you this and telling you that," Sears said.  Sears said he wanted to have a chance to be a leader. "A lot of the guys will be looking to me, and I'm ready for it," he said.  Fullback Cory Anderson and defensive tackles Justin Harrell, Turk McBride and Tony McDaniel also said they will stay.  "Obviously this is a great day for the Tennessee Volunteers," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "These young men represent some of the finest football players in the country, and we're thrilled they have chosen to stay. Obviously it will greatly enhance the leadership on our football team."

McDaniel sat out the first two games of last season after he pleaded guilty to hitting a fellow student in the face during a pickup basketball game. He was sentenced to supervised probation.  McDaniel was not allowed to speak to reporters during the season.

He said the draft board estimated he would be a first-day pick in the draft, but he wouldn't say which round.  "I was really shocked," he said.  McDaniel said he didn't really think about leaving because he wanted to repay Fulmer and defensive line coach Dan Brooks for standing up for him after he was arrested.  "They're like second dads to me. A lot of guys say they're family, but coach Fulmer and Dan Brooks, they're really like family to me," McDaniel said. "I wanted to help them any way I can."  The Vols lost three seniors who were starters on the defensive

Sports Illustrated: List of Underclassmen Who Have Declared For Draft

From the Pac-10:

Reggie Bush/ LenDale White (U$C)

Maurice Drew (UCLA)

Haloti Ngata (Oregon)

 

To read the entire list, cut and past this entire link (I have to break it up or for some reason the index on the right side drops to the bottom of the web page):

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football

/nfl/01/08/bc.fbp.lgns.underclassmen.r/index.html

 

Sacramento Bee: Tedford Says Cal on Verge of Strong Recruiting Class

By Ryan Lillis -- Special To The Bee

Published 2:15 am PST Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Story appeared in Sports section, Page C3

BERKELEY :  Coach Jeff Tedford confirmed he has been contacted by multiple NFL teams about their coaching vacancies but said he is "firmly committed" to Cal. "This is an exciting time for our program," he said in a statement. "We have a lot of young talent returning to the team, and we are on the verge of another strong recruiting class." The Bears finished this season 8-4 and ranked 25th in the Associated Press poll. Tedford's contract at Cal runs through 2009.

 

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Rams Interested in Tedford

By Jim Thomas

<Excerpt>:

“The Rams also are believed to have some interest in University of California head coach Jeff Tedford and Tampa Bay assistant head coach-defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.”

Seattle Times: Pac-10 football should stay status quo for 2006 season

By Bud Withers
Among the sobering realities of designing a football program on the way up is this: To facilitate the ascent, it helps if there are some folks on the way down. That's a nice way of saying that the two most bottom-feeding outfits in the Pac-10 in 2005 are likely to be seen as cannon fodder again next season. Not only will Washington and Washington State try to dig out from 1-7 league records, they must do it absent any obvious candidates to plummet past them. Don't infer too much from USC's hairbreadth loss to Texas in the Rose Bowl, other than the Trojans were too young on defense to get over that last hump. They'll be back, and quickly, assuming coach Pete Carroll doesn't get swept off his feet by an NFL owner with resources in place.
Arizona? Quarterback Willie Tuitama, and Mike Stoops' persistent recruiting, gives the Wildcats obvious hope. Stanford? Walt Harris showed this year he can coach. Oregon State? Maybe, but the Beavers looked like a 10th-place candidate in '05 and nearly went to a bowl game. Not to rain on any state-of-Washington parades, but when UW coach Tyrone Willingham took Stanford to the Rose Bowl in 1999, it was a different Pac-10. WSU was bottoming out after its 1997 Rose Bowl run. Cal was wallowing through the Tom Holmoe regime, USC ditto with Paul Hackett. The Pac-10 went 1-4 in bowl games that season.
Long story short, there's a high likelihood Washington and WSU are going to be dismissed in a lot of preseason prognostications, although crimson faithful can argue they just recruited the best receiver not named Dwayne Jarrett with Jason Hill's announcement he is returning to WSU for his senior year.
The good news is, nobody ever went to a bowl game based on what was written in a magazine or newspaper. The general lay of the land, seven months before fall practice:
Arizona: Here's why things are looking up in Tucson, to the point where a bowl game in '06 is likely: Carroll and assistants Lane Kiffin and Jethro Franklin recently spent three hours in the office of Scottsdale CC coach Ken Giovando, trying to get an "in" with defensive tackle Louis Holmes, an original signee with Ohio State. Later, Holmes was 45 minutes delayed announcing for Arizona, because Carroll and Franklin were on a three-way call with him, making an 11th-hour pitch. Already in the fold at that spot is former USC signee Gabe Long, and they should fit nicely with a possible top 10 recruiting class, the hotshot Tuitama and 16 other starters.
Quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel returned to alma mater Oklahoma, and Arizona is expected to replace him with former Houston and Wyoming head coach Dana Dimel.
Arizona State: Rudy Carpenter's Insight Bowl stats qualified him for the NCAA title in pass efficiency, which augurs a great quarterback battle with Sam Keller, rehabbing from a thumb injury. They'll have seven other offensive starters to work with. On defense, the attention will be on three four-year transfers on the line — Loren Howard (Northwestern), Michael Marquardt (BYU) and Tranell Morant (Florida).
California: Bears could be a national player, and we'll find out quickly; they open at Tennessee. Coach Jeff Tedford has been stockpiling talent, and lots of parts are in place for a BCS-style year — running back Marshawn Lynch, big-time receivers, defensive tackles Matt Malele and Brandon Mebane — if only he can solve the quarterback shortfall that dragged down Cal in '05. At QB, Nate Longshore returns from injury and Joe Ayoob from funkdom. They'll be pushed by touted redshirt freshman Kyle Reed.

Oregon: Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata announced he will leave a year early, and the starting corners are among the departed. The attention on an experienced offense will center on whether coach Mike Bellotti chooses between Dennis Dixon or Brady Leaf at quarterback. In either case, look for a big role for Timberline product Jonathan Stewart at running back. A testy nonleague schedule includes Fresno State on the road and Oklahoma, conqueror of the Ducks in the Holiday Bowl, at Autzen Stadium.
Oregon State: OSU tantalized fans with a solid start, then depressed them late by falling out of the bowl picture. That raised grumbling about coach Mike Riley, but he's safe with a guaranteed four more years. The only key loss on offense is Biletnikoff Award winner Mike Hass, and OSU will return a terrific tight end in Joe Newton, injured in '05. Defense is more of a problem, with the loss of both tackles, solid linebackers Trent Bray and Keith Ellison, and the need to find pass-rushing ends.
Stanford: Cardinal may see a flip-flop toward the traditional kind of Stanford team — better offense, lesser defense, as 10 starters will be back on offense, including quarterback Trent Edwards. The defense won't easily replace standouts like Babatunde Oshinowo, Julian Jenkins and Jon Alston. The program might even begin to realize a home-field advantage, with construction of a new, downsized stadium.
UCLA: Coach Karl Dorrell's seat is cooler now, and the Bruins appear on the right track, even with the loss of quarterback Drew Olson. Long-awaited Ben Olson should fill that spot. All-purpose exploder Maurice Drew backed off earlier statements and Saturday announced for the NFL draft, so along with departing tight end Marcedes Lewis, there are some sizeable voids. The defensive line, long the subject of smirks, should be a strength but safety Jarrad Page and linebackers Justin London and Spencer Havner must be replaced.
USC: Only their (prospective) agents know for sure. The Trojans are a complete guess until we know the NFL intentions of players like safety Darnell Bing, offensive linemen Winston Justice, Fred Matua and Ryan Kalil plus running back LenDale White. Heisman winner Reggie Bush is assumed gone. The defensive front seven could be dominating. At quarterback, John David Booty's long apprenticeship behind Matt Leinart may mean nothing; freshman Mark Sanchez (6-4, 215) is expected to push him severely. Whoever wins it, he throws to the most imposing tandem of wideouts in the country in Jarrett and Patrick Turner, both 6-5. Given the attrition, it's entirely possible the Trojans surrender ownership of the Pac-10 title they've won or shared for four years.
Washington: The unending search for superior quarterback play continues. It could end at Isaiah Stanback or at the mystery man, junior (in '06) Carl Bonnell, or even with Jake Locker, the hot Ferndale recruit. But the offensive line is iffy, the most gifted wideout, enigmatic Craig Chambers, transferred, and running back is murky, although freshman J.R. Hasty should enliven the position. Eight starters are back on defense, where the biggest hits departing are at linebacker.
Washington State: Speaking of enigmatic, do you take the Cougars at face value (1-7 in the Pac-10) or what they appeared capable of in a star-crossed season?
Hill's return is a big plus, no doubt aided by the return of the quarterback who threw to him, Alex Brink. Replacing 1,900-yard back Jerome Harrison will be a load, but DeMaundray Woolridge, redshirting freshman Dwight Tardy and JC recruit J.T. Diederichs of Ballard High could somewhat ease that loss. Three of five linemen are back. Seven starters return on defense, which almost has to be better. Linebacker Will Derting will be gone, but then, he was for much of the past two seasons with injuries.

Nebraska Journal Star: California interested in Watson

BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE
Former Colorado assistant Shawn Watson said he plans to meet with California coach Jeff Tedford. Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan has encountered formidable competition in his bid to hire Shawn Watson to become the Huskers’ tight ends coach. Watson said Sunday he plans to discuss with California head coach Jeff Tedford the possibility of joining the Bears’ staff, perhaps as offensive coordinator (Tedford calls the plays for Cal). In addition, Watson has an offer from new San Diego State head coach Chuck Long to join the Aztecs’ staff as offensive coordinator. The 46-year-old Watson, formerly offensive coordinator at Colorado under ex-head coach Gary Barnett, interviewed for the Nebraska position Thursday morning in Lincoln and received an offer from Callahan.“I think Bill wants to get an answer,” Watson said from the American Football Coaches’ Association convention in Dallas, where he likely will meet today with Tedford. “There are a lot of people who want answers, and I don’t want to hold anybody up.” If Nebraska lands Watson, he would replace Scott Downing, who on Dec. 27 accepted a head coaching position at NCAA Division I-AA Northern Colorado.Although Downing coached tight ends, helped with special teams and served as recruiting coordinator, it appears Watson would coach only tight ends, meaning Callahan would shuffle the other duties among current staff members.Watson is believed to be the only coach to have interviewed for the Nebraska position. He has known Callahan since they were assistants at Illinois in the mid-1980s on the staff of former Illini head coach Mike White.Watson indicated his decision might occur as soon as today. “Hopefully by (tonight) I’m going to decide which way to go,” he said.

SF Chronicle: McClymonds' Hill says next stop is Cal

Mitch Stephens, Chronicle Staff Writer

A slight knee injury limited McClymonds High defensive lineman Derrick Hill to just two plays in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school all-star game in San Antonio. But that was OK with Hill.  "I just wanted to get on TV and announce my decision," Hill said.  That decision was his college choice: Cal.  The 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior and first-team All-Metro player picked the Bears over Arizona and USC. Playing close to home, and Cal's strong academic and football programs, were major factors in his decision, Hill said.  "It's a win-win situation," Hill said. "Everything I want is there."  When rumors this week of Cal coach Jeff Tedford moving to the NFL surfaced -- specifically Tedford taking over the vacant Raiders head-coaching position -- Hill was concerned.

"I called coach Tedford immediately," Hill said. "He said there was no truth to the rumors, that the first he had heard about the Raiders' job was what he read in the papers. That made me feel a lot better."  Hill's commitment is only verbal and non-binding until he signs of letter of intent in February. Would he consider de-committing if Tedford changed jobs?

"I haven't even thought about it," Hill said. "I'm firm with my decision. It's a huge weight off my mind. I couldn't be happier."  Hill had 15 sacks and 106 tackles for McClymonds, which finished 11-1 and won the Oakland Section title. He is the third player from his team to commit to major Division I programs, joining linebacker Josh Tatum (USC) and tight end NaDerris Ward (Georgia). Tatum also was invited to the All-American Bowl, but he couldn't attend because of a knee injury.  Hill, one of seven finalists for the Cal-Hi Sports' state Player of the Year, played all season with a knee brace on his left knee. On Saturday, he tweaked his right knee as the East defeated the West 27-16.  "I could have gone back in, but there was no reason to risk it," Hill said.  Said McClymonds coach Alonzo Carter, who was a guest coach at the game: "Cal is a perfect fit for Derrick. He's a great student, a great self-motivator, the complete package. Just like Cal is."  Hill was one of 15 All-Americans to announce their choice before a national-television audience, but he was the only one to pick Cal.  Five other players picked Pac-10 schools. Four chose USC: Lemoore receiver David Ausberry, Colton linebacker Allen Bradford, Aurora (Colo.) offensive lineman Butch Lewis and Coppell (Tex.) running back Emmanuel Moody. Long Beach Poly receiver Terrence Austin committed to UCLA.

 

Contra Costa Times: McClymonds star Hill headed to Cal

Defensive lineman will make an oral commitment today, his coach says, choosing the Bears over USC and Arizona

By Jay Heater

McClymonds High School coach Alonzo Carter said Friday that his star defensive tackle, Derrick Hill, will commit to Cal today at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Hill is a 6-foot-2, 285-pounder who is arguably the top recruit in the East Bay this year. "It came down to Cal, USC and Arizona," Carter said. "Derrick wants to stay close to home. But Cal had been the front-runner all along. He's going to Cal." McClymonds will have three players on the Cal roster next season with Hill joining quarterback Kyle Reed, who will be a redshirt freshman, and tight end David Gray, who will be a senior.

"I send Cal the best of the litter," Carter said. Rated the No. 44 prospect in the nation by Scout.com (and the nation's fourth-best defensive tackle), Hill should be able to play right away, according to Carter. "He won't be a starter, but he should be in the rotation," Carter said. "Derrick is a rare big dude. Most big dudes aren't motivated, but this guy always is on. He is a high-motor guy who is very athletic and very physical. He is a great student and is in the student leadership program here." Carter compared Hill to current Cal defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. "He's going to be a good fit for what they do at Cal. And I could tell Cal liked him. At Cal's football camp, Coach (Jeff) Tedford stopped, came over and sat next to me just to watch him. He doesn't often watch the defensive players because he lets his staff do that, but he watched Derrick disrupt everything." Another factor also swayed Hill to Cal. "He and (defensive line coach) Ken Delgado have a vibe going on," Carter said.

SF Chronicle: Drew To Turn Pro

UCLA's Drew to announce plans today: UCLA's Maurice Drew, who led the country in punt-return average and was a first-team All-American as the all-purpose player, will announce his future plans today at his former high school.  A UCLA spokesman said Friday that Drew, a junior, and his family will meet with reporters at De La Salle High in Concord at 2 p.m. ESPN.com reported Friday that Drew plans to turn pro.  A speedy 5-foot-8, 205-pounder, Drew returned three punts for touchdowns and averaged 28.5 yards on 15 punt returns. He also rushed for 914 yards on 186 carries and 13 touchdowns, and caught 31 passes for 453 yards and four TDs for the 16th-ranked Bruins.

 

SF Chronicle: No NFL for Tedford

Cal's Jeff Tedford says he is not interested in any coaching jobs in the NFL.  Tedford released a statement Friday reaffirming his desire to remain in Berkeley.  "I have been contacted by NFL teams, some directly, and some indirectly, about coaching vacancies," he said, terming the interest a reflection of the program's success. "Although I am flattered by the interest, I am firmly committed to remaining the head football coach at the University of California."  Tedford just completed his fourth season at Cal, and is 33-17 with three bowl appearances. In 2005, the Bears finished 8-4, with a 35-28 win over BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl and a No. 25 ranking in the final AP poll.

 

Oakland Tribune: Mack's Hill tells Cal he's headed to Berkeley

Star defensive tackle made big impression with Bears coach Tedford

By David Schoen, STAFF WRITER 

The story goes like this: Jeff Tedford, offensive guru and Cal's football coach, doesn't pay close attention to defensive players during the Golden Bears' summer camp for high school players.  But last summer, Tedford made an exception for McClymonds defensive tackle Derrick Hill.  "He sat down in the bleachers in (Memorial Stadium) and watched us scrimmage," Warriors coach Alonzo Carter recalled. "Afterward, he came up to me and said, 'I normally don't watch defensive guys in camp, but I enjoyed watching Derrick play.' To hear that from a head coach, that always stuck with me."  Starting this fall, Tedford will be able to watch Hill play as often as he wants.  Hill, a 6-foot-2, 280-pound standout who led Mack to the Silver Bowl and a No. 2 ranking in the East Bay, gave the Golden Bears a verbal commitment, choosing Cal over USC, Arizona, Oregon and Colorado. Hill's commitment is nonbinding, and the first day he can sign a letter-of-intent is Feb. 1. Cal's coaches can't comment until that time.  Hill is expected to make his announcement today when he participates in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The game starts at 10 a.m. and will be televised by NBC.  "It came down to, as far as academic wise, they were second to none," said Hill, who is fully qualified academically and plans to major in business with a minor in real estate. "Athletically, they are competing with the top teams in the nation."

Hill has been attending Cal camps since 10th grade, and Tedford was the first person to call and congratulate him after Mack topped Oakland Tech 49-7 in the Silver Bowl. The No. 8 defensive tackle prospect in the country according to Rivals.com finished the season with 105 tackles, 151/2 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, one of which he took back for a touchdown. "Derrick is a blue-collar type of kid, and he does not get caught up in the hype," Carter said. "Derrick maintained from the beginning Cal was his first choice. He's a four-year Mack kid, born and raised in West Oakland. You've got a lot of Oakland kids doing some big things at Cal. There's some guys there he was able to relate to and talk to and have a comfort level." Hill, who participated in the CaliFlorida Bowl, has a chance to contribute as a true freshman for the Bears. "I'm going to take it as it comes," Hill said. "I'm not going to back down, but I'm not going to waste a year, either. If I can come in and be an impact player and help out the team in a way more than just being an extra body, I would like that. If they need me, I'll be there for them."

 

Cal Athletics: Tedford Reaffirms Commitment To Cal

Tedford has no plans to leave the school for the NFL

Jan. 6, 2006

BERKELEY - University of California head football coach Jeff Tedford, whose four-year run in Berkeley has been the most successful at the school since the 1950s, has no plans to leave the school for the National Football League.  "I have been contacted by NFL teams, some directly and some indirectly, about coaching vacancies," Tedford said on Friday. "Although I am flattered by the interest, I am firmly committed to remaining the head football coach at the University of California.  "This is an exciting time for our program," he added. "We have a lot of young talent returning to the team, and we are on the verge of another strong recruiting class. The stadium project is now underway, and our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom.  "The attention we have received from the NFL is due to our success as a program and the tireless efforts of our staff," Tedford said. "We look forward to continuing that process and reaching even higher levels."  Cal is coming off of an 8-4 season and ended the year ranked No. 25 in the final balloting of both the Associated Press and USA Today polls. Two early preseason polls for 2006 have California ranked as high as No. 10 (Sports Illustrated) and No. 15 (ESPN).  In four seasons at Cal, Tedford has a record of 33-17 with four winning seasons, three bowl appearances and two bowl victories. In each of the last two seasons, Cal has reached the top 10 in the national polls. He has twice been named as the Pac-10 coach of the year.

 

Oakland Tribune: Tedford says he's 'committed' to Cal

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

BERKELEY — Jeff Tedford turned around Cal's football program, now he spends a good part of his time turning down offers to leave.   With eight NFL head-coaching positions open Monday, and seven available Friday after Minnesota named Brad Childress, Tedford's name has come up again as a possible successor ... somewhere.   But he isn't leaving Cal.  "I have been contacted by NFL teams, some directly and some indirectly, about coaching vacancies," Tedford said Friday. "Although I'm flattered by the interest, I am firmly committed to remaining the football coach at the University of California."  Tedford wouldn't say which NFL teams approached him. The Chicago Bears made him a serious offer a year ago.  "This is an exciting time for our program," he said. "We have a lot of young talent returning to the team, and we are on the verge of another strong recruiting class. The stadium project is now under way, and our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom."

Tedford is 33-17 at Cal after inheriting a 1-10 team in 2002. Cal was 8-4 this season, won its second bowl game in three consecutive tries and finished No.25 in the Associated Press and USA Today polls.

 

Oakland Tribune: Tedford would be foolish to take Raiders job

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

ANOTHER AL DAVIS coaching experiment has gone up in flames. Now it's time to find yet another disposable coach who can co-exist with the difficult Davis. Thus Jeff Tedford's name is being floated about as a potential savior. Stop dreaming, Raider Nation. Tedford, Cal's highly successful coach, would be a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders, who've sunk to their deepest desperation in Davis' 43 years of guiding this no-longer feared franchise.  But Tedford is no fool. Davis has a better chance of hiring Joe Paterno than he does Tedford, who isn't enamored with pro football to begin with and could hardly function in Davis' insular world of rampant paranoia.  No coach who has worked under Davis has left happily. John Madden and Tom Flores speak well of Davis now, but both basically were shown the door. Madden had an ulcer, it's true, but he and Davis were at philosophical odds in Madden's final season and didn't speak to each other for a month.  Davis also ran off Jon Gruden, his only recent head-coaching hire — there have been seven since 1988 — who instilled a winning atmosphere. Davis hated Gruden's popularity, and a handful of Raiders front-office types followed Chuckie to Tampa Bay, including Davis' one-time mouthpiece, Bruce Allen.  Tedford wouldn't want to chance his becoming another of Davis' coaching casualties when he's perfectly content in Berkeley. Cal won eight games last season, the combined win total of the Bay Area pro teams. And Cal won 10 games a year ago, three more than the local NFL slugs combined.

Oh, Davis could pay Tedford considerably more than the $1 million-plus he's making at Cal. The reconstructed contract he signed after the 2004 season still has four years to run. And because he has the best football team locally along with De La Salle, there's no reason to leave.

Here are a handful of other reasons Tedford isn't going anywhere:

-Cal has been to three straight bowl games, while the Raiders and San Francisco 49ers failed to make the playoffs the past three years. So where's the better job?

-Tedford recruits his players. Davis largely decides who plays for the Raiders. Let's see, who would Tedford rather coach, Marshawn Lynch or Derrick Gibson? So where's the better job?

-Tedford doesn't have to answer to anyone for his football decisions. He would have to answer to Davis for all Raiders decisions. And Davis would question his play-calling, too. So where's the better job?

-Tedford is a quarterback guru. Marques Tuiasosopo was given one shot to prove his worth, then it was back to perfectly ordinary Kerry Collins. You know who made that decision. So where's the better job?

Sorry, Black Hole, the NFL isn't a paradise, and the Raiders' coaching job isn't a panacea. Rick Neuheisel would be a perfect fit, though, in Oakland. He likes the vertical game, his players like him, he just resurrected Kyle Boller in Baltimore, and he can't get into more trouble in the NFL.  Besides, Neuheisel is blond, which would remind Davis of Gruden.

 

 

Oakland Tribune: Raiders' answer as close as Berkeley

Jeff Tedford could work his magic in Oakland, if only Al Davis would let him

THE ANSWER for the Oakland Raiders is so close and yet so far away. Less than an hour's drive from their own facility, there is a man who surely would rescue their failing franchise and restore it to its proper greatness.   Jeff Tedford, the certified miracle worker at the Cal, almost certainly could work the same magic in Oakland. He could be Oakland's Nick Saban, perhaps even better. From this view, he is the modern-day version of Bill Walsh, primed to be lured away by the league that is his eventual destiny.  You wonder if Al Davis has even considered something so obvious. Once he might have. Not anymore. But listening to the Raiders owner delineate his priorities on Tuesday, it's hard not to connect local dots.  Davis says he wants a coach who wins. Tedford is a coach who wins. He took a program many thought beyond repair and turned it into a national power in three years. This year, he went 8-4 and won a bowl game without a front-line quarterback.  Davis says he wants a coach who scores points. Tedford is a coach who scores points by the bushel. He runs a pro-style offense rooted in its exquisite balance and offensive line dominance. His success has had schools like Notre Dame, Nebraska and Washington salivating in recent years as well as several professional teams. Chicago, for example, preferred Tedford to Lovie Smith. And of course, he was hired at Cal over Marvin Lewis, who has rejuvenated the Cincinnati Bengals.  Davis says he wants a coach with the presence and charisma to sell tickets and fill an antiquated stadium. Tedford not only sold tickets and filled ancient Memorial Stadium, he got folks so excited he inspired the old bowl's imminent restoration.  Without a doubt, Tedford could and would get Raiders fans excited again. He's young but not too young. He has no NFL experience but offers a more professional approach than many men who've been in the league for years. His practices are like something organized by the Pentagon. He's a tireless perfectionist. More than anything, he's a fresh face of leadership the organization desperately needs not only to sell tickets but rebuild its very soul.   Sound good? Now the bad news.

This miracle isn't going to happen without another miracle occurring — Davis taking a significant step back. Sadly, just from listening to the Raiders owner spout the usual tired old rhetoric on Tuesday, it appears nothing is about to change but the sideline figurehead.  Davis still wants too many other things that a man with the qualifications and reputation of Tedford wouldn't abide in this day and age. It's why Oakland won't be able to lure a stimulating top candidate like Cal's standout coach, and why the Raiders more than likely will settle for Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett or Mike Martz and try to patch the outdated, unworkable dynamic. If Al really wants to try to look clever, maybe he rolls the dice with Rick Neuheisel or Pat Hill. But cutting edge doesn't go much beyond the owner's increasingly dull knife.  Whomever he hires, it won't matter under the current organizational structure in which the coach lacks the necessary power to truly lead. Al might as well have stuck with Norv Turner. After all, it sounds as if Davis already has decreed Kerry Collins will be next year's starting quarterback.  That's the bad vibe the Raiders can't seem to fix. The 76-year-old organization patriarch still wants to pull too many strings. He still wants to control selection of assistant coaches. He still wants the final say on personnel. He still wants to lord over the day-to-day operation, offer "suggestions" on what needs to be done in practice and on game day. He also still will want to hire coaches on the cheap because it reinforces the chain of command and perpetuates this eccentric modus operandi.  The money matter alone probably would kill any notion of a Tedford mega-deal. Tedford makes $1.5 million per year under his current Cal contract plus incentives, and it's probably going to take a minimum of $3 million or more to pry him away from a great situation at Cal. Davis wouldn't pay that price.  But even if money were no object, everything about the Raiders right now is beneath a quality coach and organizational master like Tedford, which is a powerful statement in itself. It may apply to other strong young candidates like Brad Childress, Kirk Ferentz, Ron Rivera, Mike Singletary and Gary Kubiak, as well.  Davis is right about one thing. The league has become more competitive than ever with 20 teams not making the playoffs. The Raiders are so far away from being a viable force they are in the bottom half of those 20 teams with few significant indicators they're about to make a competitive leap. Their stadium is half full because most fans have finally figured out who really needs to go.  Oakland needs Jeff Tedford or someone like him to create a whole new vision for the Raiders franchise. But it won't happen as long as the man in charge since 1963 still believes he's the visionary.

 

 

SF Chronicle: Raiders don't need to look very far for next coach

Scott Ostler
One does not envy the mission of Raiders boss Al Davis as he searches for a coach, because it's not going to be easy to fill the shoes of what's-his-name. But the fact that Norv Turner left his shoes behind is an indication of how quickly he was hustled out of the building, and of how eager Mr. Davis is to usher in the new era of The Greatness of the Raiders. About the best thing you can say about Turner is that, through hard times and harder times, he didn't lose his players. Which puts him one coaching notch above Little Bo Peep. (How ironic, then, that Turner became a sacrificial lamb.) Anyway, the Raiders have established that they can lose for a coach they dislike (Bill Callahan) and for a coach they respect (what's-his-name). Now what Davis should be seeking is a coach who can coach. Players, too. Davis should be seeking those, and he will be, as soon as the Over-the-Hill Free Agent Market opens its doors. But right now, the search is directed at the head-coaching position.
Here's a thought: Jeff Tedford.
Cal's coach is in a five-year deal that runs four more seasons. He is already well-paid at $1.5 million per year, plus a $2.5 million bonus if he serves out his entire contract. And Tedford is a loyal, honorable guy. But if you're Al Davis, your limo is not deterred by speed bumps. You must act dynamically because you are running out of time and options, and you need someone who will give your Raiders and their fans a pulse. The last two head-coach hires didn't generate much buzz in Raider Nation. While the team is in the process of recovering from what ails it, the organization (i.e., Davis) has the obligation to snap the players and fans out of their collective coma. Fan interest is sagging so badly that at the last couple of home games, there have been black holes in the Black Hole. The Raiders have been off local TV longer than Milton Berle. Short-term, at least, Tedford would fix that. What he has brought to Cal, along with winning football, is an electric offense. It starts at quarterback, and if Tedford isn't the foremost expert on the coaching and development of the football quarterback, he's on a short list. Granted, his experience with pro quarterbacks is limited to the Canadian Football League, where he coached 'em and where he was one, but if you don't think Tedford would be a handy guy to have around your NFL club to buck up your quarterback, you haven't been paying attention.
Tedford understands the mind of the quarterback, and the mechanics. He would be the perfect coach to bring out whatever potential Kerry Collins has, or to advise Davis that Collins has a limited NFL upside and should be down-sized. And (as they say in the TV infomercials) that's not all! Tedford knows balance, he knows the running game. Each of his past eight teams has featured a 1,000-yard rusher, and Cal came within a yard of having two in '05. Even if Tedford brought 10 percent of his offensive playbook to the NFL, his team would show a freshness and innovation that the league and its fans sorely need. Davis commented on the firing of Turner by explaining at the Dick-and-Jane level, "We weren't scoring points. And you have to score in the National Football League to win." To score points, it is helpful to run and pass, and those are two areas of the game Tedford seems to grasp. Those opposed to the idea of the Raiders hiring Tedford might put forth the arguments: "Steve Mariucci and Steve Spurrier." Spurrier's personality and work ethic might not have been compatible with NFL success, especially with a mediocre team. As for Mariucci, right now he's about a .500 NFL coach, but he never worked the miracles at Cal that Tedford is working.
Mariucci was 6-6 at Cal in '96, and that team faded late, and at least half the reason he was hired by the 49ers was that Carmen Policy and Eddie DeBartolo admired Mooch's hair. Tedford is no Mariucci when it comes to hair, or to schmoozing the media, but on the charm and charisma scale, Tedford rates well above Turner, Dennis Erickson, etczzz. As a plus, Tedford sleeps in his office several nights a week, so Davis would know where to find him if he's wandering the halls at 4 a.m. and wants to talk football. Any new Raiders coach will bring change, but Tedford would bring hope, and that's something the Raiders could use.

Oregon Register Guard: Ducks' Ferrigno heads to California

By Rob Moseley

A trip to the Happiest Place on Earth turned into an agonizing afternoon that ultimately led fifth-year Oregon wide receivers coach Dan Ferrigno to announce his resignation from the UO staff.  Ferrigno, who coached the likes of Keenan Howry, Samie Parker and Demetrius Williams for the Ducks, was announced as the new receivers coach at California on Tuesday. He joins the staff of former UO offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, whom he coached with at Oregon in 2001.  Ferrigno also will be reunited with his wife, Shawna, and young daughter, Sophia, who have a house in Oakland. The 52-year-old San Francisco native met his wife during his first stint on the Cal staff, from 1996-99. "I just thought it was an opportunity I needed to take advantage of," Ferrigno said Tuesday evening. "These things don't come up in our business very often." The hiring was one of a series of moves announced by Cal on Tuesday, including the news that former Junction City High School and University of Oregon star Justin Wilcox was leaving to become the defensive coordinator at Boise State.

Ferrigno was hired without an interview after being offered the job Saturday. Tedford called Ferrigno that day, shortly after speaking with UO coach Mike Bellotti, Ferrigno said. The Cal head coach interrupted a trip to Disneyland by Ferrigno and his family, who had remained in southern California after Thursday's Holiday Bowl in San Diego.  Ferrigno said he spent about four hours Saturday mulling the decision before calling Tedford to accept the offer. He returns to the school where he coached tight ends, receivers and special teams for four seasons, before spending one season at USC in 2000 prior to joining the staff at Oregon.  "I think Cal is a better place than when I left there," Ferrigno said. "I know it is, just because of Jeff's influence and the things he's been able to do. They're more committed to football now than they were when I was there."  Ferrigno said he initially had no intention of leaving Oregon following the loss to Oklahoma last week. Bellotti said on Friday that he didn't plan on any staff changes this offseason, though he acknowledged the added attention his assistants might receive in the wake of the Ducks' 10-2 season.  Ferrigno leaves a tight-knit UO staff. He could often be seen with defensive backs coach John Neal on pre-practice runs around Pre's Trail near Autzen Stadium.  "Coach Bellotti does an unbelievable job of keeping this staff together and making it fun to work at Oregon," Ferrigno said. "I'm going to miss Oregon. But I'm also looking forward very much."

Bellotti said he will immediately begin a "national search" for a qualified coach and recruiter. Ferrigno said he was responsible for four recruits already committed to Oregon, and Bellotti said any others under Ferrigno's watch were shifted to other assistants, and assured that Ferrigno's departure was mainly due to personal reasons.  "I'm happy for him in the regard that he and his family can be together," Bellotti said. "That's a very difficult situation he's been coaching under for five years, especially with a young child.

"I think this is a great opportunity for him to be there. It made sense to me." Ferrigno replaces former UO recruiting coordinator Eric Kiesau, who left Cal after four seasons as receivers coach to coordinate the passing game at Colorado under recently hired head coach Dan Hawkins, formerly of Boise State. The replacement for Wilcox as linebackers coach will be Bob Foster, the UO defensive coordinator in 1998-99 and a former Cal assistant under Tedford.

Wilcox, 29, was the Class 3A player of the year at Junction City in 1994, and he spent five years with the Ducks as a defensive back. He returns to the school where he coached linebackers from 2001-02 before spending the last three seasons coaching the same unit at Cal.  Wilcox had no intention of making a change this offseason, and was on vacation when contacted about the Boise State job. He joins the staff of new Boise State coach Chris Petersen, who was the receivers coach at Oregon during Wilcox's playing days, and who joined the staff in Boise as offensive coordinator the same year Wilcox served as a graduate assistant coach there, in 2000. "I've always had a ton of respect for him, and enjoyed being around him," Wilcox said. "He's such a great guy. When the chance to work for him came up, it was too good of a situation to pass up. "The hardest thing about this whole thing is leaving a good situation (at Cal). It's not like you're trying to get out of anywhere. I was in a great situation, working with great people, and felt the program was going in the right direction." Wilcox said his defense will closely resemble those at both Oregon and Boise State. He worked at Cal under defensive coordinator Bob Gregory, who was Oregon's defensive backs coach from 1998-2000, the first two years of which Foster was the coordinator. He is also influenced by former Boise State defensive coordinator Ron Collins, who left with Hawkins to become coordinator at Colorado. "I think that's a big reason Pete thought of me," Wilcox said of Petersen. "It's not all a new installation. It's going to be hit the ground running. .... Honestly, at Oregon, Boise State and Cal, a lot of the verbiage is similar."  Wilcox was a starting cornerback for Oregon in 1999, when he was named second-team all-Pac-10 after making the switch from free safety. He originally signed with the Ducks as a quarterback, the position he played in leading Junction City to the 1993 state title and the 1994 state semifinals.

 

SF Chronicle: Former aides at Cal rejoin Tedford's staff

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Cal coach Jeff Tedford has turned to some familiar faces in filling two vacancies on his staff.  Dan Ferrigno, who coached with Tedford at Oregon and has two previous stints at Cal, has been hired to coach wide receivers.  Bob Foster, who was a key coach in Tedford's first year at Cal and also a former colleague at Oregon, has been hired to coach linebackers.  Ferrigno replaces Eric Kiesau, who is leaving to become coordinator of the passing game at Colorado. Foster replaces Justin Wilcox, who will become defensive coordinator at Boise State.  Ferrigno coached at Cal from 1996 through '99 -- leaving for a job at USC and then spending the past five years at Oregon. He was a graduate assistant for the Bears in '80 and '81.  "He is a great fit for us and our program, and a great recruiter," Tedford said Tuesday in a statement.  "Cal is a much-changed program since I was last there and I really look forward to going to work," Ferrigno said.  Foster, who coached for 19 years at UC Davis and was defensive coordinator for two years at Oregon, served as a senior adviser on Tedford's first staff and also coached linebackers.

"He was an integral part of our program when we were getting started and it's exciting to have him back as part of the family," Tedford said.  "I enjoyed watching this team so much over the last few years that when the opportunity to return presented itself, I jumped at it," Foster said.  

Briefly: Offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan and center Marvin Philip will play in the 2006 Senior Bowl Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala. The game is considered a showcase for top NFL prospects.

 

Oakland Tribune: Trojans coordinator can thank Tedford

BEVERLY HILLS — It's the first college Super Bowl, that's what it is, with repetitive interrogation, elusive responses and a week of hype that matches anything Pete Rozelle could have imagined for his dear, old NFL. USC vs. Texas on Wednesday night, the BCS championship, so far preceded by the B.S. championship, interviews starting at daily 8 a.m. PST — even in California we're obligated to pay obeisance to the swells from the East — between grumpy, unshaven journalists and diplomatic, unshaven athletes.

Questions of "Threepeat," for USC (they're focusing on the game, surprise!); questions of television viewing, for Texas (a lot of cartoons for Billy Pittman); questions even whether anyone has gone on line at ESPN.com to vote in those contrived polls about the best team in history (asked, of course, by ESPN's Shelley Smith). Also a question, for the Trojans, whether they indeed are "the greatest offense of all time," since they lead the country in total offense with an average of 580 yards and are second in scoring at 50 points a game. And have two Heisman Trophy winners, Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, in the same backfield.

"Well, there's no way to prove that," Lane Kiffin, the USC offensive coordinator, correctly pointed out. "It's fun for you guys to write about it. But we don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with what we're doing, whether we're the greatest ever." An answer properly evasive. An answer that would meet approval by the gentlemen who helped turn Kiffin into a coach, Jeff Tedford, now head man at Cal. Lane Kiffin, at 30 the youngest offensive coordinatorfrom Sports 1 in Division I-A, had the genes and the background. His father is Monte Kiffin, defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but not so long ago and far away head coach at North Carolina State, where one of his assistants was Pete Carroll. Yes, the Pete Carroll who is coach at USC and who hired Lane Kiffin. This stuff isn't coincidental. Lane went to Fresno State, where his quarterback coach was the crusty Tedford who in 1997, when Kiffin was a fifth-year senior, gave the kid the option of suiting up and sitting on the bench behind a freshman named David Carr or becoming a student assistant. Kiffin chose the latter. And at times wondered why.

"Oh," he joked Sunday, "there were good experiences, like making the coffee every morning, picking up his newspapers and then taking his clothes to the dry cleaners. All those things. He was tough. "But it was a great experience." What Kiffin appreciates is Tedford, who in 1998 moved on to Oregon, coached him how to be a coach, not always standard procedure. "As a student assistant, a graduate assistant," he told me, 'Hey, you don't talk when it's not your turn to talk,' things like that, don't try to do what you're not supposed to be doing. You have a job to learn. He's tough on his players and his coaches, and it shows because his teams play with so much discipline. "What I appreciate now is Jeff was such a great teacher. I lot of coordinators don't teach their coaches how to coach. He does." USC supposedly was doomed when the legendary Norman Chow left as offensive coordinator after the 2004 season. Carroll elevated Kiffin from receivers coach and re-hired former assistant Steve Sarkisian, who in'04 was quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders. In an unusual format, Sarkisian is on the field and Kiffin in the press box. "We do everything together throughout the week as far as game-planning," said Kiffin. "During the game, he has the feeling of the players, when it's time to get Matt going with this or LenDale (White) or Reggie ... and then we have a guy away from that behind a closed window able to concentrate on what's going on down there." What's going on is Leinart throwing or Bush running. And as many years he coaches, Kiffin never again may get a combination like that. "Without a doubt," Kiffin agreed. "Our plays don't work the same when you don't have No.5 (Bush), who makes people miss and runs for 70. We're fortunate to have him. He and Matt and LenDale and the rest are the ones who make this offense what it is."  The greatest offense ever? "Don't ask," said Kiffin. "We're just trying to win the next game."

Cal Athletics:Tedford Announces Football Staff Changes

Ferrigno, Foster return to Cal

Jan. 3, 2006

BERKELEY - University of California head football coach Jeff Tedford has announced two additions to his coaching staff. Rejoining the Cal program are assistant coaches Dan Ferrigno and Bob Foster.  Ferrigno will coach the Cal receivers while Foster will be in charge of the Bear linebacking corps. Both men have previously been a part of the Cal football program.   Ferrigno, a native of San Francisco, has been the receivers coach at Oregon for the past five years after a year of coaching the receivers and special teams at Southern California. He has had two stints at Cal, coaching the tight ends, receivers and special teams from 1996 through 1999, and serving as a graduate assistant in 1980-81.

"Dan is someone I worked with extensively at Oregon when I was the offensive coordinator and he was the receivers coach," Tedford said. "He is a great fit for us and our program, and a great recruiter."  Ferrigno is a graduate of San Francisco's Riordan High School and San Francisco State University. He has also had coaching stops at St. Ignatius High School, SFSU, Pacific, Western Michigan and Oregon State.   "I am very excited about the opportunity to return to Cal, and to work with Coach Tedford again," Ferrigno said. "Cal is a much-changed program since I was last there and I really look forward to going to work."  Foster was part of Tedford's original Cal coaching staff in 2002. He is a native of Clovis, Calif., and spent 19 years coaching at UC Davis, including a 30-11-1 record during his four years as head coach at the school after a long stint as defensive coordinator. He spent 1998 and 1999 as defensive coordinator at Oregon. Foster also played at UC Davis and is a member of the school's hall of fame. His other coaching stops include Fairfield's Vaden High School and Williamette University "We are extremely happy to have Bob Foster back with us," Tedford said. "He was an integral part of our program when we were getting started and it's exciting to have him back as part of the family. He brings a lot of stability, is a great teacher and excellent with the players."  "I enjoyed watching this team so much over the last few years that when the opportunity to return presented itself, I jumped at it," Foster said.  Ferrigno and Foster replace outgoing receivers coach Eric Kiesau and outgoing linebacker coach Justin Wilcox. Kiesau will officially join a coaching staff later in the week, and Wilcox has been named defensive coordinator at Boise State.

 

Contra Costa Times: Tedford loses 2 assistant coaches

Cal football assistants Eric Kiesau and Justin Wilcox are leaving to accept other positions.

Kiesau will be the passing game coordinator at Colorado, while Wilcox will be the defensive coordinator at Boise State. Also, offensive coordinator/quarterback coach George Cortez has been reported to be a finalist for the same position at Mississippi. "It's a tribute to our success as a program and to the work of those coaches that they have an opportunity to further their careers," said coach Jeff Tedford. "Anytime you are successful, your coaching staff will have opportunities presented to them." In his four seasons at Cal, Tedford hasn't had to replace many coaches. Linebackers coach Bob Foster retired after the 2002 season, and Tedford replaced him with Wilcox. Special teams coach Dave Ungerer left for Alabama in 2003, and Tedford replaced him with Pete Alamar. Foster, though, has decided to return to Cal as linebackers coach.

Oakland Tribune: Tedford loses assistants

Two Cal coaches take coordinator jobs at other schools

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

The price of success has caught up to Cal football. Two assistant coaches are leaving, and a third might be going, all upward moves. Cal coach Jeff Tedford confirmed Monday that wide receiver coach Eric Kiesau is the new passing game coordinator at Colorado and linebacker coach Justin Wilcox will become Boise State's defensive coordinator.  Another Cal assistant, offensive coordinator George Cortez, is being rumored for the same position at Mississippi.  "It's a tribute to the work they've done here," Tedford said of Kiesau and Wilcox. "When you have the success that we've had, your coaching staff is going to have opportunities."  This is the first coaching change on Tedford's staff in three seasons. Kiesau has been with Tedford all four years at Cal. Wilcox, son of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox, joined the staff in 2003.  Cal's record under Tedford is 33-17, and the Bears have been to three straight bowl games, winning twice.  "Eric and Justin have earned their stripes," Tedford said. "For Eric, it's a step up for him to become the passing coordinator. For Justin, to be a defensive coordinator at 29, that's a great break."  Last week, Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory turned down a lateral move to Colorado at a reported salary of $200,000, nearly twice what he's making in Berkeley.  Now Cortez is being courted by Ole Miss, according to a source close to the Rebels football program, who said Cortez could be looking at making $300,000 a year.  "It's a possibility," Tedford said of Cortez's departure, "but I don't know if he has talked to them or not."  Cortez told an Ole Miss newspaper Monday that he hasn't been contacted by the Oxford, Miss., school.  Tedford, who expects to replace Kiesau and Wilcox in the very near future, was reached in Southern California on a recruiting trip.  "We feel good about it," he said of the recruiting process. "We'll get a couple of nice commitments (this week)."