SF Chronicle: Northwestern offensive whiz joins Tedford's staff

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Mike Dunbar is well aware of the considerable shadow Jeff Tedford casts on his offensive coordinator. "I don't have a problem with that," he said. Dunbar, on the staff at Northwestern the last five years -- the past four as offensive coordinator -- became Cal's new offensive coordinator Thursday, replacing George Cortez. With Tedford heavily involved in the offense -- from game planning to working with the quarterbacks to calling many of the plays -- Dunbar takes a job where he could labor in relative obscurity. At least that was the case with Cortez. Dunbar comes from a passing-oriented spread offense that was one of the most potent in the nation but varies greatly from the more balanced system favored by Tedford. "We've talked a great deal," Dunbar said, adding that he's previously been involved with systems similar to Cal's. "I think it will work out very well."

He said he's also confident he and Tedford will find a comfortable ground where they can share some of the duties, including play calling. Rumors begin circulating about the change after Cal beat BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, but it was just announced Thursday. "I have always been impressed with the Northwestern offense," Tedford said in a statement. "And I know Mike Dunbar is a quality person. I'm excited about what he brings to the program." The past season Northwestern's offense was No. 4 in the nation with an average of 500.3 yards a game. One of the biggest issues facing Cal's offense next season will be the uncertainty at quarterback. Dunbar comes well-prepared to join Tedford as another quarterback mentor. His latest pupil, Brett Basanez, set 30 records at Northwestern and finished his career ranking second in Big-10 history behind former Purdue star Drew Brees in passing yards, total offense and completions. Before joining the staff at Northwestern, Dunbar compiled an 83-24-1 record as a head coach, with stints at Northern Iowa and NAIA Central Washington. He also served at offensive coordinator at Toledo. Cortez is leaving Cal to pursue a career in the NFL or possibly find a post closer to his native Texas. Tedford said the split was amicable and "by mutual agreement." This is the third change in Tedford's staff since the bowl game. Dan Ferrigno, with coaching stops at Cal, USC and Oregon, was hired as wide receivers coach, replacing Eric Kiesau, who accepted a post at Colorado as coordinator of the passing game. Bob Foster, a veteran coach who was on Tedford's staff his first year at Cal, returned as linebackers coach. Foster coached 19 years at UC Davis and was defensive coordinator at Oregon. He replaces Justin Wilcox who went to Boise State as defensive coordinator.

Briefly: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is concentrating on his offseason football conditioning and is not, as initially planned, playing baseball at Cal, Tedford said. ... Wide receiver Jesse Canada, who was a member of last year's recruiting class but left school because of personal issues, is back at Cal and will rejoin the team as a walk-on.