When UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons decided to hire a general manager for Cal’s football program, he consulted with various stakeholders, including Golden Bear legend Ron Rivera. Rivera, a former Cal All-American linebacker and two-time NFL Coach of the Year, was identified as the ideal candidate.
Lyons explained, “(Lyons) said he had talked to some people he was close with and they kept telling him they need to get this guy, bring him in and put him in position to help Cal,” Rivera recalled. “I said, ‘How can I help?’ He said, ‘Well, you’re the guy they are talking about.'”
Rivera accepted the role after discussions with his wife Stephanie. “I said, ‘If I’m going to mentor somebody and work with somebody, why wouldn’t I go back to Cal?'” Rivera stated. “She looked at me and said, ‘Let’s go home.'”
Hired as Cal’s football general manager in March, Rivera now oversees all aspects of the program. Lyons praised Rivera’s fit for the role: “After only a few months working with our football program, it’s clear to all that Ron’s extraordinary experience, skills and acumen make him the perfect fit for this role.”
Rivera’s connection to UC Berkeley is strong; his playing days at Cal ended in 1983 but his support has never waned. He has attended various sporting events over the years and emphasized his commitment: “We get behind the university because we believe we were graced to have been here.”
His contributions extend beyond football; he supports fundraising efforts and engages with other campus activities. Reflecting on his student-athlete days at Cal where he sought diverse experiences by living with non-athletes, Rivera shared: “I wanted the Cal experience… It was great.”
Lyn Christopulos spoke highly of Rivera’s character: “Ron was just extraordinary… He seemed to already have it figured out.” Christopulos considers himself one of Rivera’s closest friends.
“Cal could not have a better human being in terms of character,” Christopulos added. “It’s a spectacular win for the University of California.”
