BERKELEY, CA — In a bold move signaling a new era for the program by Cal’s new Head Coach, and former Oregon Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi, the California Golden Bears have officially hired Minnesota Vikings safeties coach Michael Hutchings as their next Defensive Coordinator. At just 30 years old, Hutchings becomes one of the youngest coordinators in the Power 4, joining the staff as Cal prepares for its second season in the ACC.
Tosh Lupoi’s mission to rebuild Cal’s "Blue & Gold" identity through local roots. Both Lupoi and Hutchings are alumni of the legendary De La Salle High School in Concord. While they were not teammates (Lupoi graduated in 2000 and Hutchings in 2013), their shared background in the "Spartan Way" brings a specific brand of disciplined, high-intensity culture back to the Bay Area.
Hutchings arrived in Berkeley fresh off three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as a key lieutenant to defensive mastermind Brian Flores. Under Hutchings, the 2024 Vikings secondary led the NFL in interceptions (24) and takeaways (33). In 2025 as of Week 17, the Vikings defense ranks #21 in total points allowed (330 points, 20.6 ppg). While allowing the 5th lowest YPG (292.7) and the 3rd lowest Passing YPG allowed (168.8) Expect Hutchings to bring a "disguise-heavy" pro-style system to Cal, utilizing the versatile "Big Nickel" and "Dime" packages that have become the standard for modern NFL defenses.
With Cal finishing near the bottom of the conference in several defensive metrics last season, the "Hutchings Hire" is a clear attempt to modernize. His experience coaching against elite NFL passing attacks will be vital as Cal faces high-octane ACC offenses like Clemson, Miami, and SMU.
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