Tosh Lupoi’s coaching journey is taking a major turn, but not before he finishes what he started.
While the College Football Playoff kicks off tonight at Autzen Stadium, all eyes in Eugene - and now Berkeley - are on Lupoi, Oregon’s defensive coordinator and the newly appointed head coach of the Cal Golden Bears. His Ducks are set to take on a 12-1 James Madison squad fresh off a Sun Belt title, but for Lupoi, this game is more than just a semifinal - it’s a final chapter.
Lupoi made a firm decision to stay with Oregon through their national championship push, even after accepting the Cal job. That kind of loyalty doesn’t always show up in today’s coaching carousel, where job changes often mean abrupt exits. But Lupoi didn’t flinch.
“Over my dead body would I ever leave the individuals here,” Lupoi said. “One, they’ve put myself and my family in this position. And two, I wanted to finish what we started here.”
That commitment came at a cost. Lupoi acknowledged that his insistence on staying with Oregon during the playoff run was a deal-breaker for at least one other coaching opportunity. Still, he stood firm in his decision - a move that speaks volumes about his character and the bond he’s built with his players.
Oregon enters the matchup as a heavy favorite against James Madison, a team that’s had a dream season but now faces one of the most complete rosters in the country on the biggest stage. If the Ducks take care of business, they’ll punch their ticket to the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day against Texas Tech.
For Cal fans, tonight’s game offers a preview of the coach they’re getting - one who doesn’t just talk about culture and commitment, but lives it. And for Oregon, it’s one last ride with a defensive leader who’s helped shape a championship-caliber unit.