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Article By: For decades, the coaching journey of USMarine had been a whirlwind of football, filled with unexpected turns, legendary games, and a relentless pursuit of the next challenge. Born and raised in the misty rain of the Pacific Northwest, USMarine grew up with the Oregon Ducks imprinted on his heart. Saturdays were spent at Autzen Stadium, where he’d cheer for the Ducks with a passion that rivaled any fan. He studied their game, idolized their coaches, and dreamed of one day pacing the sidelines as one of them. But life had other plans.
Season 10 marked the beginning of his coaching career in the NDL starting with a reputable start at the University of South Carolina (8-4). Then a few undesirable coaching stints at ECU and Syracuse (12-12 overall), before he found himself taking the reins at a small west coast school in Oregon. By sheer grit and an uncanny ability to turn struggling programs into contenders, USMarine’s reputation grew. His restless spirit propelled him from the rain-soaked fields of Oregon to the historic halls of Boston, where he helmed a storied program on the East Coast. With each stop, his legend grew, not just as a tactician but as a mentor who could rally teams and fanbases alike. Yet, through it all, his heart never stopped longing for the west.
Now, the call has come from Berkeley.
The University of California, nestled in the golden hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, has always been a sleeping giant in the college football world. The Cal Bears have seen moments of greatness but have struggled to sustain it. They need a coach with vision, tenacity, and the ability to inspire—someone who can build a legacy while embracing the unique culture of Berkeley. For USMarine, the opportunity feels serendipitous.
“It’s time,” he told his wife as they stood on the balcony of their Tampa, Florida home, gazing at a sunset that painted the sky in hues of gold and navy—Cal’s colors. “California’s been calling my name for a while now.”
The decision isn’t without controversy. Oregon fans, who had embraced USMarine as one of their own despite his transient career, feel betrayed. Social media buzzes with opinions, from outrage to admiration. “How could a Duck go coach the Bears?” some ask. Others, however, recognize that this isn’t about rivalry—it’s about legacy.
Arriving in Berkeley, USMarine immediately makes his presence felt. At his introductory press conference, he speaks about his vision for Cal football with the fervor of a man who has found his purpose.
“This is about more than just wins,” he says, standing at the podium in a sharp navy suit with a golden tie. “It’s about building something that lasts. The University of California is a place where excellence isn’t just expected—it’s celebrated. I’m here to embrace that challenge and to help these young men write their own chapter in Cal’s history. Go Bears!”
His first season will not be without its struggles. Transforming a program takes time, and the Pac-12—even in its twilight years—remains as competitive as ever. But slowly, the culture begins to shift. Players start buying into his vision, fans return to Memorial Stadium, and Cal football begins to make headlines for all the right reasons.
For USMarine, Berkeley feels more than just another stop on his coaching journey. The vibrant culture, intellectual energy, and natural beauty of Northern California rekindle his love for the game and for life itself. He feels he can begin to appreciate the little moments: a walk through the redwoods, the sound of the student section roaring, and the golden hues of a California sunset.
The story of USMarine at Berkeley is just beginning, a new chapter in a career defined by adventure and resilience. The stakes are high, the challenges immense, but the potential is limitless. And as he takes the field for his first game at Memorial Stadium, the coach’s heart swells with a single, resounding thought: go bears.
Go Bears
GO Bears
GO BEARS
GO FUCKING BEARS!
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