Sports

Tosh Lupoi Stripped Cal Football’s Offensive Coordinator Of Duties In The Middle Of A Game

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Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Tosh Lupoi stripped Jordan Somerville of play calling duties.


The Cal football team was held to just seven first half points in a loss to UNLV. A change was made at halftime.

Head coach Tosh Lupoi confirmed that play calling duties switched hands. The Bears responded with 24 second half points.

Jordan Somerville was named offensive coordinator last December after three seasons as a quarterback assistant in the NFL. Prior, he’d spent time on staffs at Oregon, New Mexico, and Arizona State.

Somerville is still a young coach. This is his first time handling play calling responsibilities. Through five games, the offense has been inconsistent.

Cal scored 24 against UCLA, 49 vs. Wagner, and 31 last week against UNLV. It was also held to 12 offensive points vs. Syracuse and three against Clemson.

There have been positives. Most notably, a passing attack that ranks fourth in the ACC at 301 yards per game. The bad outweighs the good, however, to this point.

The Bears rank 16th in rushing, 13th in efficiency, and 10th in sacks allowed while throwing the third-most interceptions in the league. It’s led to a 2-3 start. The offense needed a shakeup in Game 5.

Cal demoted Jordan Somerville.

That demotion did not come in title. He remains the offensive coordinator. He has lost play calling duties, though, at least for the time being.

Pat McCann took over after halftime last Saturday. A change in production was evident.

Cal briefly regained a lead after going into halftime down 24-7. It did so with a backup quarterback following a concussion to Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.

Ultimately, the Bears were unable to win, but McCann did enough to retain his play calling duties for next game vs. Virginia Tech.

McCann had previously been the offensive coordinator at Fresno State before taking the job at Cal. He was applauded by Tosh Lupoi after the game.

GM Ron Rivera also spoke on the change. He said the switch was done to “make a point.”

His message appeared to be aimed at the coaching staff. While Rivera called Somerville a smart coach, he said that he “still has some things to learn.”

Interestingly enough, this wasn’t the only midgame switch seen at the college level over the weekend. Colorado State fired its defensive coordinator at halftime during a loss to Oregon State.

No one’s job is safe! Things are moving week to week. Those unable to produce are at risk of a demotion. Jordan Somerville found out firsthand. We’ll see if Cal entrusts him with play calling duties later on this season.