Ron Rivera Aims High for Cal Athletics Revival

BERKELEY, Calif. — Ron Rivera, a Cal Athletics Hall of Famer, has returned to his roots as the inaugural general manager of the football program, aiming to elevate all sports at the University of California.

Rivera is determined to bring Cal football into the national spotlight, aspiring for the team to become a perennial top-20 program while boosting the overall athletic department’s performance. “This is the University of California,” Rivera stated in an interview with The Daily Californian. “We’re at the anchor. … We need to deliver a higher standard in athletics.”

His vision extends beyond football. Rivera hopes to see men’s and women’s basketball teams regularly competing in NCAA tournaments, along with consistently high finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup across all sports. Rivera highlights the importance of establishing a “sustainable winning culture” in Berkeley, which has not seen significant football success in decades.

The Bears have not claimed a national title since 1937 and last won a conference title outright in 1958. Rivera recognizes the stark contrast between the program’s history and the university’s prestigious academic reputation. He is backed by Chancellor Rich Lyons, who echoes Rivera’s ambitions. “We just won two Nobel Prizes,” Lyons told The Daily Cal. “There’s excellence at this university, and we need to deliver that on the field.”

Rivera frequently collaborates with Lyons to engage donors and capitalize on existing campus resources, including data and technology. Their discussions also focus on football strategy, where Rivera’s extensive NFL experience is evident. “He sees so much more deeply into the game than I ever could,” Lyons remarked on their halftime talks.

As the Bears prepare for a Friday night home game against the North Carolina Tar Heels, Rivera acknowledges the team’s 4-2 record and the narrative surrounding it. While some fans express skepticism, Rivera believes the team is on the brink of greatness. “They’ve been on the precipice for the last few years,” Rivera noted, emphasizing the need for additional resources and a clear identity moving forward.

Despite challenges, Rivera’s passion for Cal football is unwavering. He clarified that his commitment to the program involves attracting more donations and fan support rather than resorting to drastic changes in leadership. “We want to focus on the whole picture, not half of it,” Rivera stated, defending head coach Justin Wilcox, whose tenure has been met with mixed results.

Looking ahead, Rivera is enthusiastic about the group’s potential, especially with promising talent like freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele leading the charge. With a focus on enhancing donor engagement, Rivera aims to foster a culture of support necessary for building a championship-caliber team.

“I wanted to come back, share, give back and be part of something I think could be pretty special if we do it right,” Rivera said. His return to Cal symbolizes not just a personal journey, but a commitment to a brighter future for the university’s athletics.