Cal AD Retires: Wilcox Reports to Rivera – Football Changes
- The University of california, Berkeley, has appointed David Rivera as its inaugural general manager for the football program.
- Rivera, a former Cal linebacker, brings over a decade of NFL head coaching experience from his time with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders.
- Knowlton's exit follows growing frustration from major donors and alumni who felt Cal's NIL strategy lacked innovation.
Cal football undergoes a meaningful conversion as David Rivera is named the inaugural general manager, marking a pivotal moment for the programme. Athletic Director Jim Knowlton’s departure follows mounting concerns regarding the team’s direction and especially its approach to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) strategies. Rivera, bringing NFL expertise, is expected to modernize Cal’s football infrastructure and address key football strategy challenges. This move reflects a broader shift toward a more professionalized model at the university.Read the full story at News Directory 3 to get the details on what Rivera’s appointment means for the future of Cal football and the implications of the athletic director change. Discover what’s next …
Cal Bears Tap Rivera as Football GM; athletic Director Steps Down
Updated June 16, 2025
The University of california, Berkeley, has appointed David Rivera as its inaugural general manager for the football program. This move comes as Athletic Director Jim Knowlton departs after facing criticism regarding the program’s direction, especially concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) strategies and football oversight.
Rivera, a former Cal linebacker, brings over a decade of NFL head coaching experience from his time with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders. The university hopes Rivera will modernize its football infrastructure.
Knowlton’s exit follows growing frustration from major donors and alumni who felt Cal’s NIL strategy lacked innovation. Tensions escalated in recent months, setting the stage for his departure. Knowlton had served as athletic director since 2018, after holding the same position at Air Force from 2015 to 2018.
Some observers believe the appointment of a general manager and the departure of the athletic director signal a meaningful shift in how Cal approaches college football, aiming for a more professionalized model amid the evolving landscape of NIL and player compensation.
“On behalf of the Cal community, I want to thank Jim for his leadership, his integrity, and his devotion to the academic and athletic success of our student athletes,” Lyons said in the release. ”Jim’s work and accomplishments have set the stage for the next era of excellence across Cal Athletics.”
What’s next
Rivera is expected to address the concerns surrounding NIL and football strategy,working to bridge the gap between athletics leadership and the demands of major college football. His NFL experience is anticipated to bring a fresh viewpoint to Cal’s football program.