Ron Rivera has recently assumed the role of general manager for Cal football, aiming to elevate the program’s competitive standard. A Hall of Famer, Rivera expressed his desire to align athletic excellence with the prestigious academic reputation of the University of California, Berkeley. He aims to build a sustainable winning culture within the athletics department.
Rivera’s Vision for Cal Football
Rivera’s ambition is to transform Cal football into a top-20 program, while also elevating men’s and women’s basketball to consistent NCAA tournament contenders. The overarching goal is for Cal Athletics to routinely rank among the top five in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings.
Cal’s Historical Challenges
The Cal Bears have struggled in recent decades with their performance on the field. Key statistics highlight this challenge:
- Last national title won in 1937
- Last outright conference title achieved in 1958
- Last season with eight regular-season wins was in 2009
Rivera acknowledges the stark contrast between the football program’s history and the university’s academic success, where it has produced numerous Nobel laureates. The recent hiring of Chancellor Rich Lyons, who shares Rivera’s aspirations, adds momentum to this mission for improvement.
The Importance of Resources and Identity
According to Rivera, the missing elements for success at Cal have been adequate resources and a strong identity. Both he and Chancellor Lyons emphasize the need for engagement from donors and the campus community to support the athletic program’s revitalization. They believe that both academic and athletic successes are interconnected.
Engagement and Expectations
The expectations for success are high, with Rivera aiming for at least eight wins in the current season. Lancaster noted that any mediocrity, such as a 6-6 finish, will not meet their aspirations. Rivera insists on evaluating the coaching staff and team performance based on the full season rather than isolated incidents.
Future Goals and Community Involvement
Cal is already recognized as a top public educational institution, yet Rivera believes it can achieve greater heights in athletics. He draws inspiration from Indiana University’s recent ascendance in football, driven significantly by active donor engagement.
Rivera’s NFL background has taught him that success hinges on building a well-rounded team, particularly around key talents. He is optimistic about freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s potential to attract other talented players to the program. Meanwhile, donor enthusiasm has reportedly improved compared to previous seasons, which Rivera sees as pivotal.
Commitment to Cal
Having turned down lucrative NFL opportunities to return to Cal, Rivera emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. He cherishes his experiences at Berkeley, from meeting his wife to gaining invaluable life lessons from Coaches like Joe Kapp and Mike Ditka.
Rivera aims to leverage these experiences to foster a winning culture at Cal football while encouraging broader community support. His commitment to the university reflects a desire to make a meaningful impact on both the athletes and the campus at large.
