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UC Berkeley has announced that Ron Rivera, a former All-American linebacker at Cal and longtime NFL coach, will serve as the first-ever general manager of the California Golden Bears football program. The hiring was announced Thursday, March 20, by Chancellor Rich Lyons.
In this newly created role, which will be fully funded by private donors, Rivera will focus on generating revenue, fundraising, and providing leadership to the football program. He will report directly to Lyons, while head coach Justin Wilcox will continue reporting to Athletic Director Jim Knowlton, who also reports to the chancellor.
A Homecoming for Rivera
Rivera expressed his enthusiasm about returning to his alma mater.
“I am fired up to be coming home,” Rivera said in a press release. “My love and passion for Cal has never changed, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of our football program. I look forward to working with Chancellor Lyons, Jim Knowlton, Justin Wilcox, and the entire team as we strive for championships in this new era of college football.”
Lyons emphasized the importance of football to the university and praised Rivera as an ideal fit for the position.
“The football program is an indispensable part of our university and our community,” Lyons said. “Ron’s incredible football knowledge and deep commitment to Cal make him the perfect choice for this role.”
A Distinguished Career in Football
Rivera played linebacker for the Golden Bears from 1980 to 1983 before being drafted by the Chicago Bears, where he played nine seasons, including the team’s 1985 Super Bowl victory. He was inducted into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.
After retiring as a player, Rivera coached in the NFL for 27 years, including 12 years as a head coach for the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders. He led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 in 2015 and was named NFL Coach of the Year twice.
Navigating a Changing College Football Landscape
Rivera joins a growing number of general managers in college football, helping programs adapt to new NCAA rules surrounding student-athlete compensation, transfer portals, and evolving recruiting challenges.
Knowlton, Cal’s athletic director, highlighted Rivera’s unique ability to guide the program through these changes.
“Chancellor Lyons and I have discussed this role for a long time, and to have someone like Ron Rivera fill it is beyond exciting,” Knowlton said. “He understands both football and the complex world of intercollegiate athletics, and he’s deeply committed to the values of Cal student-athletes.”
A Legacy of Support for UC Berkeley
Rivera and his wife, Stephanie Rivera, have remained strong supporters of UC Berkeley athletics. Stephanie, a former Cal women’s basketball player, serves as a UC Berkeley Foundation Trustee and California Legends Collective board member. Together, the Riveras have supported football, women’s basketball, softball, and golf, and they are recognized as Builders of Berkeley, a distinction given to donors who have contributed $1 million or more to the university.
Wilcox welcomed Rivera’s arrival, emphasizing his value to the program.
“Ron has a passion for Cal football and loves this university,” Wilcox said. “His leadership will be critical as we navigate these fast-changing times.”
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