Multiple reports Tuesday afternoon indicated that Cal general manager Ron Rivera is working on a deal to make Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi the new coach of the Bears.
Lupoi played defensive tackle for the Bears from 2000-2005, joining the staff as defensive line coach and an ace recruiter in 2008.
A day after Will Stein was named coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, it means Dan Lanning is replacing both coordinators after the Ducks' playoff run. Lupoi's defense ranks 5th in the country in yards per play, No. 8 in scoring defense, No. 4 in opponent passer rating.
From Walnut Creek, California, the 44-year-old former NFL assistant is a finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach, for the second year in a row.
Even so, Duck fans shouldn't be worried. Every time Dan Lanning has had to make a hire for the Oregon program, he's hit for extra bases.
Co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is likely to step in to take over the defense. In three seasons he's transformed the secondary, turning from an undersized group last season to a squad of tenacious killers.
Oregon CB Jadon Canady vs Washington:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 1, 2025
🦆 9 Yards Allowed
🦆 1 INT | 1 PBU
🦆 0.0 Passer Rating Allowed
🦆 87.4 Coverage Grade@oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/ndXmc5UHZs
In a program with a growth mindset, change and new ideas are good
BREAKING: Cal is working to finalize a deal to make Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi its next head coach, @PeteNakos reports🐻https://t.co/cYMwJ3UX4m pic.twitter.com/mXB6jMbwEd
— On3 (@On3sports) December 2, 2025
The last two offensive coordinators both became head coaches, sending two quarterbacks to the NFL and to New York as Heisman finalists. Oregon's won 10,12 and 13 games, and they're hosting a home playoff game this year,
Under A'lique Terry the offensive line has been Joe Moore Award finalists for three straight seasons. The Ducks have three straight Top Five recruiting classes. The defense has ranked 88th, 20th, 36th and now 5th in yards per play.
When Lanning hires, he has coaches go to the whiteboard and stand and deliver, just like his mentors Nick Saban and Kirby Smart. Candidates have to demonstrate a vision for their unit and a mastery of scheme and playcalling.
The next hires to the Oregon staff may not be household names, but they will be teachers, dynamic, organized, energetic and brimming with potential and drive.