Tedford promotes line coach Michalczik to assume duties
By Jonathan Okanes
Cal football coach Jeff Tedford decided to go with continuity in hiring an offensive coordinator. Tedford announced Thursday that he's promoted offensive line coach Jim Michalczik to offensive coordinator. Michalczik replaces Mike Dunbar, who left the Bears after one season to take the same job at Minnesota. Michalczik had been the offensive line coach for the first five seasons of Tedford's leadership at Cal. "It's a great fit," Tedford said. "He's a guy who's been here from Day One. We've been through a lot together. To continue to have continuity on the staff and have a guy who is well-respected by the players and the coaching staff, it was a pretty natural fit."
Tedford was intrigued by Dunbar's knowledge of the spread offense, but he still retained much of his own offensive philosophy. The Bears incorporated some aspects of the spread offense, but Michalczik roots with Tedford's style may make him a better fit as offensive coordinator. "We're always in the process of looking and finding new schemes," Tedford said. "Jim knows every game plan we've had the last five years. There are certain parts of the spread we still like, but it's great to know (Michalczik) has been here every year. We don't have to backtrack and teach someone new coming in." Michalczik inherits an offense that has built quite a reputation under Tedford. The Bears are one of just five teams that have ranked in the top 25 in scoring nationally over the past five seasons. Cal returns seven starters to its offense next season, including explosive receiver DeSean Jackson and quarterback Nate Longshore. But the Bears will have to replace star running back Marshawn Lynch and offensive linemen Erik Robertson and Andrew Cameron. "I'm looking forward to spring ball to see what we can do, and how much we can get better," Michalczik said. "We're losing a few good players so we'll have to get some guys to step up. But we have some good players in spots, too. I'm really excited about the opportunity that Jeff is giving me."
Michalczik also will continue in his role as offensive line coach. Tedford also promoted Kevin Daft to quarterbacks coach. Daft had been a graduate assistant the past three seasons. Under last year's structure, Dunbar also was the quarterbacks coach. Tedford said he will remain heavily involved in game planning for the offense. Play-calling duties will be sorted out during the spring and summer. "Nothing is changing as far as how we game plan," Tedford said. "We always game plan all together, and that won't change. Jim will have more responsibility as far as organizationally and taking care of the day-to-day operations of how the offensive staff works."
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