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Team Information
| Ground | California Memorial Stadium |
| City | Berkeley, California |
| Conference | Atlantic Coast, |
| Nickname | Golden Bears |
California Golden Bears Football Bio
The California Golden Bears, representing the University of California, Berkeley, are a prominent and diverse athletic program with a rich history dating back to 1868. Competing in the NCAA's Pac-12 Conference, the Golden Bears excel in a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, and soccer. The university's iconic mascot, Oski the Bear, embodies the spirit of California athletics. California Memorial Stadium, nestled in the Berkeley hills, is the backdrop for thrilling football matchups.
The Golden Bears have a strong tradition of excellence in athletics and academics. They prioritize the holistic development of student-athletes, emphasizing character, leadership, and community involvement. With a passionate fan base known as the "Bear Backers," the California Golden Bears continue to make their mark in collegiate sports, competing at the highest level while upholding the university's commitment to education and values.
| Name of Team | California Golden Bears football |
| First season | 1886 |
| Athletic director | Jim Knowlton |
| Head coach | Justin Wilcox |
| Stadium | California Memorial Stadium |
| Location | Berkeley, California |
| Conference | Pac-12 |
| Division | North |
| Field surface | Artificial turf |
| Conference titles | 5 (Last: 2006) |
| Division titles | 1 (2018) |
| Fight song | "Big C" |
| Mascot | Oski the Bear |
| Rivals | Stanford Cardinal, USC Trojans |
| Consensus All-Americans | 27(Consensus All-Americans) |
California Golden Bears Introduction
The California Golden Bears football team, representing the University of California, Berkeley, is a proud and storied collegiate football program. Established in 1886, the team has a rich history of gridiron tradition. They compete in the Pac-12 Conference's North Division at their iconic home stadium, California Memorial Stadium, located in Berkeley, California.
The team's mascot, Oski the Bear, is a beloved symbol of California athletics. Under the guidance of Head Coach Justin Wilcox, the Golden Bears continue to strive for excellence in the highly competitive world of college football. Known for their commitment to academic success and sportsmanship, the California Golden Bears football team embodies the values and spirit of their esteemed university.
California Golden Bears History
The California Golden Bears football team, founded in 1886, boasts a rich history filled with remarkable achievements and enduring rivalries. In its early years, the team quickly established itself as a formidable force in college football. One of the most notable moments in the team's history came in 1920 when they were retroactively awarded the national championship. They've also secured multiple conference championships and division titles over the years.
The Bears' rivalry with Stanford, known as the "Big Game," is one of college football's oldest and most intense rivalries, dating back to 1892. Their matchups are eagerly anticipated and deeply woven into the sport's lore. The team has produced numerous NFL stars and Consensus All-Americans throughout its history, contributing significantly to the sport's legacy. The California Golden Bears' enduring commitment to excellence and their storied history continue to captivate fans and inspire new generations of athletes and supporters alike.
California Golden Bears Coach
Head Coach Justin Wilcox, now in his seventh season, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the California Golden Bears football program. With a coaching background that spans several collegiate football powerhouses, he has honed his skills in developing players and building competitive teams.
Assisting Coach Wilcox are a dedicated group of assistant coaches, each with specialized responsibilities. These coaches oversee various aspects of the game, from offense and defense to special teams and player development. Their collective expertise ensures that the team operates at its best, both on and off the field, contributing to the ongoing success of the California Golden Bears.
| No. | Coach | Tenure | Seasons | Wins | Losses | Ties | Pct. | Bowls |
| 1 | Oscar S. Howard | 1886 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | .722 | 0 |
| 1.5 | No coach | 1887–1892 | 5 | 18 | 4 | 0 | .818 | 0 |
| 2 | Lee McClung | 1892 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .625 | 0 |
| 3 | Pudge Heffelfinger | 1893 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 | 0 |
| 4 | Charles O. Gill | 1894 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .333 | 0 |
| 5 | Frank Butterworth | 1895–1896 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 3 | .700 | 0 |
| 6 | Charles P. Nott | 1897 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | .200 | 0 |
| 7 | Garrett Cochran | 1898–1899 | 2 | 15 | 1 | 3 | .868 | 0 |
| 8 | Addison Kelly | 1900 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | .643 | 0 |
| 9 | Frank W. Simpson | 1901 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1 | .950 | 0 |
| 10 | James Whipple | 1902–1903 | 2 | 14 | 1 | 2 | .882 | 0 |
| 11 | James Hopper | 1904 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | .813 | 0 |
| 12 | J. W. Knibbs | 1905 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | .714 | 0 |
| 14† | James Schaeffer | 1915 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | 0 |
| 15 | Andy Smith | 1916–1925 | 10 | 74 | 16 | 7 | .799 | 2 |
| 16 | Nibs Price | 1926–1930 | 5 | 27 | 17 | 3 | .606 | 1 |
| 17 | Bill Ingram | 1931–1934 | 4 | 27 | 14 | 4 | .644 | 0 |
| 18 | Stub Allison | 1935–1944 | 10 | 58 | 42 | 2 | .578 | 1 |
| 19 | Buck Shaw | 1945 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 1 | .450 | 0 |
| 20 | Frank Wickhorst | 1946 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 0 | .222 | 0 |
| 21 | Pappy Waldorf | 1947–1956 | 10 | 67 | 32 | 4 | .650 | 3 |
| 22 | Pete Elliott | 1957–1959 | 3 | 10 | 21 | 0 | .323 | 1 |
| 23 | Marv Levy | 1960–1963 | 4 | 8 | 29 | 3 | .238 | 0 |
| 24 | Ray Willsey | 1964–1971 | 8 | 40 | 42 | 1 | .488 | 0 |
| 25 | Mike White | 1972–1977 | 6 | 35 | 30 | 1 | .538 | 0 |
| 26 | Roger Theder | 1978–1981 | 4 | 18 | 27 | 0 | .400 | 1 |
| 27 | Joe Kapp | 1982–1986 | 5 | 20 | 34 | 1 | .373 | 0 |
| 28 | Bruce Snyder | 1987–1991 | 5 | 29 | 24 | 4 | .544 | 2 |
| 29 | Keith Gilbertson | 1992–1995 | 4 | 20 | 26 | 0 | .435 | 1 |
| 30 | Steve Mariucci | 1996 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | 1 |
| 31 | Tom Holmoe | 1997–2001 | 5 | 12 | 43 | 0 | .218 | 0 |
| 32 | Jeff Tedford | 2002–2012 | 11 | 82 | 57 | 0 | .590 | 8 |
| 33 | Sonny Dykes | 2013–2016 | 4 | 19 | 30 | 0 | .388 | 1 |
| 34 | Justin Wilcox | 2017–present | 7 | 30 | 36 | 0 | .455 | 2 |
California Golden Bears Stadium: California Memorial Stadium
California Memorial Stadium, nestled in the scenic Berkeley hills, is a historic and iconic venue that serves as the home to the California Golden Bears football team. Established in 1923, it boasts a seating capacity of over 62,000 passionate fans. The stadium is not only a place of athletic competition but also a symbol of the university's enduring spirit and tradition. Renowned for its stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, it provides a picturesque backdrop for exhilarating college football matchups. Over the years, California Memorial Stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments, making it a cherished institution in the world of collegiate sports.
California Golden Bears Rivals
The California Golden Bears have two prominent rivals that ignite passionate competition on the football field. The first, perhaps most iconic, is their rivalry with Stanford, a matchup culminating in the annual "Big Game." This storied contest dates back to 1892 and is marked by fierce competition for possessing the coveted Stanford Axe. While Stanford holds a lead in the series, the rivalry remains a focal point of the Bears' season.
The second significant rivalry is with UCLA, fueled by the shared history of being the largest public university in California and their long-standing presence in the same conference. Spirited clashes on the gridiron mark these matchups, and while UCLA currently holds the series lead, the competition continues to be a highlight of both teams' schedules.
California Golden Bears Record and stats
The California Golden Bears football program boasts a rich history with five national championships, claimed by the team, in the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1937. Additionally, the Bears have clinched 14 conference championships since 1916, underscoring their legacy of excellence in collegiate football.
National Championships
| Year | Coach | Selector | Record | Bowl | Opponent | Result | Final AP | Final Coaches |
| 1920 | Andy Smith | Football Research, Helms, Houlgate, National Championship Foundation, Sagarin, Sagarin (ELO-Chess) | 9–0 | Rose Bowl | Ohio State | W 28–0 | – | – |
| 1921 | Andy Smith | Billingsley MOV, Boand, Football Research, Sagarin, Sagarin (ELO-Chess) | 9–0–1 | Rose Bowl | Washington & Jefferson | T 0–0 | – | – |
| 1922 | Andy Smith | Billingsley MOV, Houlgate, NCF, Sagarin | 9–0 | – | – | – | ||
| 1923 | Andy Smith | Houlgate | 9–0–1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1937 | Stub Allison | Dunkel, Helms | 10–0–1 | Rose Bowl | Alabama | W 13–0 | No. 2 | – |
Conference Championships
| Year | Conference | Coach | Conference record | Overall record |
| 1918 | PCC | Andy Smith | 2–0 | 7–2 |
| 1920 | PCC | Andy Smith | 3–0 | 9–0 |
| 1921 | PCC | Andy Smith | 4–0 | 9–0–1 |
| 1922 | PCC | Andy Smith | 4–0 | 9–0 |
| 1923 | PCC | Andy Smith | 5–0 | 9–0–1 |
| 1935 | PCC | Stub Allison | 4–1 | 9–1 |
| 1937 | PCC | Stub Allison | 6–0–1 | 10–0–1 |
| 1938 | PCC | Stub Allison | 6–1 | 10–1 |
| 1948 | PCC | Pappy Waldorf | 6–0 | 10–1 |
| 1949 | PCC | Pappy Waldorf | 7–0 | 10–1 |
| 1950 | PCC | Pappy Waldorf | 5–0–1 | 9–1–1 |
| 1958 | PCC | Pete Elliott | 6–1 | 7–4 |
| 1975 | Pac-8 | Mike White | 6–1 | 8–3 |
| 2006 | Pac-10 | Jeff Tedford | 7–2 | 10–3 |
California Golden Bears Roster
The California Golden Bears football team boasts a diverse roster featuring talent from various regions. On the offensive front, quarterbacks like Belay Brummel and Ben Finley bring their skills to the field, while running backs like King Doerue and Isaiah Ifanse add depth to the backfield. The receiving corps, led by Brian Hightower and Jordan King, is poised for dynamic plays. Players like Matthew Cindric and Everett Johnson along the offensive line provide strength and protection.
Defensively, the Bears have a robust lineup of linemen like Tiumalu Afalava and Nate Burrell. Linebackers like Sergio Allen and Xavier Carlton add versatility, while defensive backs like Tyson McWilliams and Craig Woodson bolster the secondary. Mateen Bhaghani and Spencer Brien handle kicking duties in special teams, while Thomas Lee and Lachlan Wilson excel in punting.
This diverse and talented roster is primed to represent the California Golden Bears with skill and determination on the football field.
California Golden Bears Schedule
The California Golden Bears football team's schedule for the 2023 season is a mix of exciting matchups against formidable opponents. They showcased their potential by kicking off the season with a convincing win against North Texas. However, a closely contested battle against Auburn resulted in a narrow loss.
As the season progresses, the Bears have a series of intriguing games lined up. They'll face off against Idaho at the California Memorial Stadium, followed by challenging away games against Washington and Arizona State. Home games against Oregon State, USC, and Washington State promise exciting moments for fans. The season will conclude with the traditional "Big Game" against Stanford and a showdown against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
This schedule offers a blend of competition and opportunities for the California Golden Bears to shine on the gridiron.
FAQs
A. The California Golden Bears football team was founded in 1886.
A. The team has claimed five national championships, which were won in 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1937.
A. The head coach of the team is Justin Wilcox.
A. The team plays their home games at California Memorial Stadium, located in Berkeley, California.
A. The primary rivals of the team are Stanford and UCLA, with the annual "Big Game" against Stanford being a particularly significant matchup.
