The California Golden Bears just made a major addition to their coaching staff, and it’s one that speaks volumes about the direction Tosh Lupoi wants to take this program. Keith Bhonapha, an Oakland native with deep West Coast ties and a proven track record of developing elite running backs, is set to join Cal as the new running backs coach.
This hire isn’t just about adding another name to the staff-it’s about bringing in someone who understands the region, has recruited and developed NFL-level talent, and knows what it takes to win at the highest levels of college football. Bhonapha has spent nearly two decades coaching running backs across the Pac-12 and beyond, and his résumé reads like a greatest hits of recent college football success stories.
Let’s take a look at the journey that brought him back home.
A West Coast Resume with National Impact
Bhonapha’s roots run deep in the Bay Area, having grown up just a short drive from Cal’s campus. He started his college playing career as a defensive back at Hawaii, where he overlapped with Nick Rolovich-now Cal’s offensive coordinator. After his playing days, he stayed on at Hawaii as a graduate assistant, coaching defensive backs, before getting his first big break in an administrative role at Boise State under Chris Petersen.
That connection with Petersen turned into a coaching opportunity in 2009, when Bhonapha was promoted to running backs coach at Boise State. From there, his rise was steady and significant. He’s held that position-along with titles like associate head coach and recruiting coordinator-at some of the most competitive programs in the country: Boise State, Washington, Oregon State, and most recently, Michigan State.
What stands out most is the consistency of success wherever he’s been. At Boise, he helped guide the 2009 team to a Fiesta Bowl win.
At Washington, he was part of the staff that led the Huskies to multiple Pac-12 titles and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2016. At Oregon State, he helped turn a long-struggling program into a top-25 team for the first time in over a decade.
He’s been part of turnarounds, title runs, and everything in between.
A Proven Developer of NFL Talent
Bhonapha’s coaching tree of running backs is impressive-bordering on elite. He’s helped recruit, develop, or coach a group that includes:
- Doug Martin - Two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive backs to come out of Boise.
- Jay Ajayi - Finished fifth in the nation in rushing in 2014 and went on to win a Super Bowl with the Eagles.
- Myles Gaskin - The first Pac-12 player ever to post four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
- Salvon Ahmed - A 1,000-yard rusher at Washington who’s carved out a solid NFL career.
- Damien Martinez - A two-time First Team All-Pac-12 selection at Oregon State.
- Ashton Jeanty - A Heisman finalist at Boise State just last season.
That’s not just a list of solid college backs-it’s a who's who of players who’ve made a real impact at both the college and pro levels. And it’s a testament to Bhonapha’s ability to identify talent, develop it, and put players in position to succeed.
Recruiting Chops That Matter
Beyond the on-field coaching, Bhonapha has long been known as a force on the recruiting trail. During his time at Washington, he played a key role in locking down in-state talent, helping build a wall around the state of Washington and keeping top prospects close to home. One of his notable wins was landing wide receiver Dante Pettis, who went on to become one of the most dynamic return men in college football.
He’s also been instrumental in Hawaii recruiting efforts, which makes sense given his background and ties to the islands. With both Bhonapha and Rolovich now on staff at Cal, don’t be surprised if the Bears start making more inroads with Hawaiian prospects.
And now that he’s back in the Bay Area, the potential impact on Northern California recruiting could be huge. Bhonapha knows the region, understands the culture, and has the credibility to walk into any living room and talk about getting players to the next level.
A Strategic Fit for Lupoi’s Vision
Tosh Lupoi is clearly building something with intention at Cal. Every move he’s made so far points toward a staff that’s aggressive, experienced, and capable of elevating the program quickly. Bhonapha checks every box: local roots, national credibility, proven development, and recruiting prowess.
He’s also held a wide range of roles-from director of football operations to associate head coach-giving him a broad understanding of how to run a program. That kind of versatility is invaluable, especially for a coaching staff trying to establish a new identity.
This isn’t just a homecoming story-it’s a strategic move that could pay serious dividends for Cal football. Bhonapha brings a track record of excellence, a deep connection to the region, and a clear vision for what it takes to build a winning culture.
And now, back in Oakland, he’s got a chance to do it all over again-this time, in his own backyard.