Cal football is officially entering a new era under Tosh Lupoi, and it’s already clear he’s bringing a very specific blueprint with him from Eugene: young, hungry, and ready to grind. On Saturday, Cal announced a wave of new assistant coach hires-all of whom were previously part of Oregon’s staff in analyst roles.
And while the title “analyst” might sound low-profile, in today’s college football landscape, these are often coaches who do everything short of recruiting off-campus. They break down film, run drills, and in many cases, help shape the identity of a position group.
One of the more intriguing names in this group? Darrion Daniels, who steps in as Cal’s new Defensive Line/Pass Rush Specialist.
Who is Darrion Daniels?
If you’re looking for a traditional coaching resume, Daniels doesn’t have one-yet. But what he brings to the table is a deep well of experience as a player and a fast-rising reputation as a coach-in-the-making. He spent the last two seasons at Oregon as a defensive analyst, working closely with Ducks defensive line coach Tony Tuioti-who, by the way, has strong ties to Cal himself.
And while Daniels didn’t have an official on-field coaching title, the Ducks’ defensive front this past season speaks volumes about the impact he may have had. Oregon finished the year allowing just 3.36 yards per carry-good for 17th nationally-and gave up only 30 runs of 10 yards or more, tied for fourth-best in the country. That’s elite-level run defense, especially considering Oregon had to replace key pieces up front and leaned heavily on younger players and transfers.
From the Field to the Sideline
Daniels’ football journey is one that’s easy to root for. He played his college ball at Oklahoma State and Nebraska, where he was named a team captain in 2019-a reflection of the leadership qualities that now translate into his coaching career. After college, he spent time in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons before closing out his playing days with the USFL Champion Birmingham Stallions.
That blend of high-level playing experience and recent, hands-on work with a top-tier Power Five defensive line makes Daniels a compelling addition to the Cal staff. He’s young, but he’s been in the trenches-literally-and he’s already begun translating that knowledge into coaching.
A Cultural Fit
It’s not just the football side that makes Daniels a fit in Berkeley. His social media handle, @Big_Ursa_, feels tailor-made for Bear Territory. It’s a small thing, sure, but in a sport where branding and connection matter-especially in recruiting-it’s another sign that Daniels gets it.
What This Means for Cal
Tosh Lupoi’s first wave of hires is a clear statement: this is a staff built for development, energy, and long-term growth. By pulling from Oregon’s analyst pool, Lupoi is surrounding himself with coaches who already understand his defensive philosophy and aren’t afraid to put in the work behind the scenes. Daniels, in particular, brings a blend of relatability to players, recent playing experience, and a track record of being around successful defensive fronts.
Here’s a snapshot of where the Cal coaching staff stands heading into 2026:
- Tosh Lupoi, Head Coach (formerly Oregon Defensive Coordinator)
- Darrion Daniels, Defensive Line / Pass Rush Specialist
More names are expected to follow, but the early returns suggest a clear direction: Cal is betting on upside, cohesion, and a coaching staff that’s ready to build something from the ground up.
Welcome to Berkeley, @Big_Ursa_. The Bears just got a little more ferocious up front.