Jonathan Okanes
Andy Ludwig finally caught up to Jeff Tedford. After replacing Tedford as offensive coordinator at Fresno State in 1998 and at Oregon in 2002, Ludwig joined Tedford's staff Friday when he was named Cal's new offensive coordinator. Ludwig replaces Frank Cignetti, who left the Bears on Wednesday after one season to become the offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh. Ludwig comes to Cal from Kansas State — sort of. He spent the past four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Utah and last season helped the Utes to a 13-0 record and final No. 2 ranking nationally after beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. He was hired as Kansas State's offensive coordinator after the season but spent less than two months there before Tedford came calling. Tedford said Ludwig will call the offensive plays.
"I am happy and excited to have Andy join our staff," Tedford said in a statement. "I've kept in touch with him over the years and followed his career, and we have a lot of history together. Andy is an excellent coach, which is evident by his guiding Utah to an undefeated record last year. He is an outstanding offensive coordinator and play caller." Ludwig was traveling Friday and unavailable for comment. Ludwig has been offensive coordinator at four different stops, not counting Kansas State — Utah, Oregon, Fresno State and Cal Poly. He hasn't been free from criticism recently, as some fans in Oregon and Utah voiced complaints about the offense. But the Utes ranked 15th nationally last season in scoring (37 ppg) and 35th in total offense (401 ypg).
Tedford didn't waste time replacing Cignetti, who was hired last January to call plays and allow Tedford to become more of an overseer of the program. Tedford, who has alternated calling plays during his seven years at Cal, said near the end of last season that he thought alleviating the burden of calling the plays had a positive effect. Ludwig, who will also serve as quarterbacks coach, will try to improve a passing game that ranked 83rd nationally last season. Ludwig will be on board to start evaluating the quarterback competition between Kevin Riley and Brock Mansion, which will begin with spring practice on March 10.
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