In a bold move that has the potential to reshape the California football program, Travers Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi recently announced the hiring of three new staff members from Oregon: Connor Boyd, Darrion Daniels, and Steve Haunga. This strategic decision aligns with Lupoi's vision for elevating the Golden Bears' performance on the field.
Connor Boyd has been appointed as the safeties coach for the Golden Bears. He brings valuable experience from his time at Oregon, where he served as a defensive analyst this past season under Lupoi. Before joining the Ducks, Boyd worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Colorado in 2021 and volunteered as a defensive assistant at the University of Tennessee in 2020. During his time in Knoxville, he contributed significantly by assisting with outside linebackers, preparing weekly scouting reports, and supporting the scout team. Boyd’s journey in coaching began at Jacksonville State University (2018-19), where he also served as a graduate assistant. He holds a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the University of Alabama, where he excelled academically by making the Dean's List during his senior year. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s in Sports Management from Jacksonville State in 2020. While at Alabama, Boyd gained hands-on experience as a student assistant in the football office, taking on various responsibilities such as supporting the offensive line coach, analyzing opponent video for scouting purposes, and aiding in recruiting efforts for top-ranked classes.
Darrion Daniels joins Cal after spending two years at Oregon as a defensive analyst. A former standout at Oklahoma State and Nebraska, Daniels was recognized as a team captain for the Cornhuskers and earned honorable mention on the All-Big Ten team during his senior season. In that pivotal year, he recorded a career-best 34 tackles, including four for loss, alongside 1.5 sacks and his first interception. His collegiate achievements include significant contributions in multiple games and earning accolades such as the Vernon Grant Award for leadership. Daniels honed his skills at Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas, where he was honored as a first-team all-state selection in both his junior and senior years. He completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in marketing from Oklahoma State in December 2018 and later pursued a master's degree in applied science from Nebraska, which he obtained in August 2022.
Steve Haunga arrives in Berkeley following four successful seasons as an offensive analyst with Oregon, where he was instrumental in developing high-performing offenses and training elite talents, including NFL quarterbacks like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel. Under his guidance, the Ducks achieved remarkable success, finishing at the top of the nation in passing offense and scoring in 2023 while maintaining a streak of scoring over 30 points per game. Haunga's coaching career has seen him rise through the ranks, starting as a strength and conditioning intern at Boise State and Cal before moving to Tulsa, where he held several positions, including offensive graduate assistant and analyst. He also spent time at Auburn as a graduate assistant for the offensive line during Nix's notable freshman year. Haunga’s coaching expertise was further developed during his tenure with North Texas before joining Lupoi at Oregon. As a player, Haunga was a two-year letterwinner on the offensive line at Arkansas State, where he earned the role of team captain in his senior year.
The addition of these three coaches marks a significant step forward for the California football team as they aim to enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons. With their impressive backgrounds and proven track records, Boyd, Daniels, and Haunga are poised to make a considerable impact on the program.
What do you think about this coaching overhaul? Do you believe these changes will lead to better results on the field for the Golden Bears? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments!
