Justin Wilcox (American football)

Born in Eugene, Oregon, Wilcox grew up as the younger of two sons on a family farm (wheat and cherries) in nearby Junction City. He played quarterback at Junction City High School and led the team to the 3A state title as a junior in 1993. He graduated in 1995 and considered Stanford and Arizona but followed family tradition and accepted a scholarship to Oregon under head coach Mike Bellotti.{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootball/2017186268_wilcox08.html |title=How UW's Justin Wilcox grew from small-town kid to big-time coach |author=Bob Condotta |date=January 7, 2012 |publisher=Seattle Times |work=www.seattletimes.com |access-date=January 13, 2017 }}

After redshirting his first year at Oregon, Wilcox found himself buried on the depth chart and switched to defensive back. A nickel back as a redshirt freshman, he lost most of the 1996 season to a knee injury. Wilcox became a fixture at safety until his senior season of 1999, when he was asked to fill a void at cornerback. He was invited to an NFL training camp with the Washington Redskins in 2000, but did not make the final roster. Wilcox graduated from Oregon in 1999 with a degree in anthropology.{{cite web |url=http://www.calbears.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1417&path=football |title=Justin Wilcox profile |publisher=Cal Athletics}}

Wilcox began his career as a college football coach in 2001 as a graduate assistant at Boise State, under new head coach Dan Hawkins. After two seasons as a graduate assistant, he left for the Bay Area to coach the linebackers at California under head coach Jeff Tedford.{{cite web |url=http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/wilcox_justin01.html |title=Justin Wilcox |publisher=University of Tennessee |work=www.utsports.com |access-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116152452/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/wilcox_justin01.html |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |url-status=dead }} After three seasons at Cal, Wilcox returned to Boise State in 2006 as the defensive coordinator under new head coach Chris Petersen. In four years the teams lost only four games, with a {{nowrap|{{winning percentage|49|4|record=y}}}} record, and his defenses were statistically among the highest-rated in the nation.{{cite web|url=http://www.broncosports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9900&ATCLID=578852 |title=Justin Wilcon |publisher=Boise State University |work=www.broncossports.com |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930052832/http://www.broncosports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9900&ATCLID=578852 |archive-date=September 30, 2012 }}

Following the 2009 season, Wilcox accepted the defensive coordinator job at Tennessee under new head coach Derek Dooley. In late December 2010, it was reported that Wilcox was a candidate to replace Will Muschamp, who left Texas for Florida.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/18063/vols-wilcox-ponders-move-to-texas |title=Vols' Wilcox ponders move to Texas |date=December 20, 2010 |publisher=ESPN Internet Venture |work=ESPN |access-date=January 13, 2017}} On New Year's Day, Wilcox announced that he would return to Tennessee for the 2011 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2010/dec/31/justin-wilcox-staying-uts-defensive-coordinator/ |title=Justin Wilcox committed to staying with Vols |author=Austin Ward |date=December 13, 2010 |publisher=Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group |work=www.GoVolsextra.com |access-date=January 13, 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309062958/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2010/dec/31/justin-wilcox-staying-uts-defensive-coordinator/ |archive-date=March 9, 2012 }}

Early on January 2, 2012, reports emerged that Wilcox was to become the new defensive coordinator at Washington in Seattle, under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The position was vacant due to Nick Holt's termination days earlier,{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7413734/tennessee-volunteers-coaches-leaving-washington-huskies-staff-sources-say |title=Vols lose assistants to Washington |author=Chris Low |date=January 2, 2012 |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |work=www.ESPN.com |access-date=January 13, 2017}} and the announcement was made official later that night.{{cite web|url=http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010212aaf.html |title=Wilcox, Sirmon Named To UW Football Staff |date=January 2, 2012 |publisher=University of Washington |work=www.GoHuskies.com |access-date=January 13, 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103142243/http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010212aaf.html |archive-date=January 3, 2012 }} The Huskies were 7–6 in 2012 and lost in the Las Vegas Bowl. Washington was 9–4 in 2013 and won the Fight Hunger Bowl; Sarkisian left after the regular season for USC.

Wilcox followed Sarkisian to USC and was the defensive coordinator; the Trojans went 9–4 in 2014 and won the Holiday Bowl. After five games in 2015, Sarkisian was fired and succeeded by Clay Helton. The Trojans finished 50th nationally in scoring defense (25.7 points per game) and 65th in total defense (400.8 yards per game) in 2015,{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/badgers/badgers-get-oral-commitment-from-texas-defensive-back-b99659475z1-366712911.html |title=UW turns to ex-USC coordinator to lead defense |author=Jeff Potrykus |date=January 27, 2016 |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=January 13, 2017}} and Wilcox was terminated the day after the loss to Stanford in the Pac-12 championship game.{{cite web|last1=Beacham |first1=Greg |title=USC's Helton fires 4 assistants, including Wilcox |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8227c37838d34210b8bdfff87e90ded7/uscs-helton-fires-4-assistants-including-wilcox |website=Associated Press |date=December 6, 2015|access-date=December 31, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130020640/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8227c37838d34210b8bdfff87e90ded7/uscs-helton-fires-4-assistants-including-wilcox |archive-date=January 30, 2016 }}

On January 28, 2016, Wilcox became the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, under head coach Paul Chryst.{{cite web |url=http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2016/1/27/FB_0127164455.aspx |title=Wilcox named defensive coordinator |date=January 28, 2016 |publisher=University of Wisconsin |work=www.uwbadgers.com |access-date=January 13, 2017}} The Badgers went 11–3 and won the Cotton Bowl with a defense ranked in the top ten in a number of categories.{{cite news |url=http://host.madison.com/wsj/sports/college/football/badgers-football-justin-wilcox-s-first-season-at-wisconsin-a/article_c50df517-79e4-55a2-81d5-89c6e22c039d.html |title=Badgers football: Justin Wilcox's first season at Wisconsin a major success |first=Jason |last=Galloway |date=January 2, 2017 |work=Wisconsin State Journal}}

On January 14, 2017, Wilcox was introduced as the 34th head coach of the California Golden Bears.{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/14/cal-announces-justin-wilcox-hire/ |title=Cal officially names Justin Wilcox coach |last=Wilner |first=Jon |date=January 14, 2017 |work=San Jose Mercury News |location=(California) |access-date=January 14, 2017}} The Bears went 5–7 during Wilcox's first year in 2017, with wins over North Carolina, Ole Miss, and #8 Washington State, and three losses by three points or fewer.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailycal.org/2017/11/30/cal-football-severe-highs-lows-justin-wilcoxs-1st-year/ |title=Cal football had severe highs, lows in Justin Wilcox's 1st year |first=Andrew |last=Wild |date=November 30, 2017 |work=The Daily Californian}}

The Bears went 7–6 during Wilcox's second year in 2018. The Bears upset #15 2018 Washington 12–10 and defeated USC 15–14 at the Coliseum in Los Angeles to snap a 14-year losing streak to the Trojans.{{cite news |url=https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Cal-stuns-No-15-Washington-with-a-12-10-upset-13342347.php |title=Cal stuns No. 15 Washington with a 12-10 upset |first=Rusty |last=Simmons |date=October 28, 2018 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401012787 |title=Defensive Cal snaps 14-game skid vs USC with 15-14 victory |date=November 10, 2018 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com}} The Bears lost 10–7 in overtime to TCU in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. In contrast to his predecessor, Sonny Dykes, Wilcox emphasized a strong defense, cutting Cal's points allowed per game from 42.6 (2016) to 20.4 (2018).{{cite news |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/collegesports/article/Bears-feature-potent-defense-offense-has-a-14400920.php |title=Bears feature potent defense; offense has a multitude of needs |first=Jake |last=Curtis |date=August 30, 2019 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} However, the Bears’ offensive efficiency ranked as the second worst among all Power Five teams.{{cite web |last1=Wild |first1=Andrew |title=Is a coaching change the answer for Cal's offense?|url=http://www.dailycal.org/2018/12/05/should-beau-go-is-a-coaching-change-the-answer-for-cal-offense/ |website=DailyCal.org |date=5 December 2018 |publisher=The Daily Californian}} After the regular season, Wilcox signed a new five-year contract to coach the Bears through the 2023 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/06/cal-rips-up-justin-wilcoxs-contract-gives-him-a-new-deal-with-a-hefty-raise/ |title= Cal rips up Justin Wilcox's contract, gives him a new deal (with a hefty raise) |first=Jon |last=Wilner |date=December 6, 2018 |work=Bay Area News Group |accessdate=January 21, 2022}}

The Bears improved to an 8–5 record under Wilcox in 2019. They achieved their highest ranking since 2009 when they were ranked No. 15 after a 4–0 start to the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/collegesports/article/Unbeaten-Cal-moves-up-to-No-15-in-Associated-14459483.php|title=Unbeaten Cal moves up to No. 15 in Associated Press Top 25 poll|publisher=SF Chronicle|date=September 22, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019}} After defeating Stanford in the Big Game for the first time since 2009, the Bears earned bowl-eligibility two years in a row, again for the first time since 2009.{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Shailin | title=Instant analysis/reaction: Cal axes Stanford for 1st time since 2009, becomes bowl-eligible | website=Daily Cal | date=2019-11-24 | url=https://www.dailycal.org/archives/instant-analysis-reaction-cal-axes-stanford-for-1st-time-since-2009-becomes-bowl-eligible/article_6a1fd91e-db38-57cc-8c4c-523581832247.html | access-date=2024-10-23}} The Bears defeated Illinois 35–20 in the 2019 Redbox Bowl.

The Bears finished 1–3 in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, with their lone win coming against #21 Oregon.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/18/sports/ncaafootball/cal-football-pac-12.html |title=Its Football Season Over, Cal Wonders: Was It Worth It? |first=John |last=Branch |date=December 18, 2020 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=January 21, 2022}}

In 2021, the Bears went 5–7, including wins over USC and Stanford. Cal notched a Big Game record 636 total yards of offense in a 41–11 victory over Stanford.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401309900 |title= Garbers returns from COVID to lead Cal past Stanford 41-11 |date=November 20, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=January 21, 2022}} Following the season, Wilcox signed a new contract extension keeping him at Cal through the 2027 season.{{cite web |url=https://calbears.com/news/2022/1/20/football-justin-wilcox-signs-extension-through-2027-season.aspx |title=Justin Wilcox Signs Extension Through 2027 Season |date=January 20, 2022 |publisher=Cal Athletics |accessdate=January 21, 2022}}

Cal finished 4–8 in 2022, the program's third straight losing season. Following a six-game losing streak, Wilcox fired offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and offensive line coach Angus McClure.{{cite news |url=https://calbears.com/news/2022/11/13/football-cal-makes-changes-to-coaching-staff.aspx |title=Cal Makes Changes To Coaching Staff |publisher=Cal Athletics |date=November 13, 2022 |accessdate=May 8, 2023}} The Bears defeated Stanford 27–20 to win the Big Game for the third time in four seasons, and the first in Berkeley since 2008.{{cite news |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/college/article/40-years-after-The-Play-Cal-uses-2-fumble-TD-to-17598307.php |title=40 years after The Play, Cal uses 2-fumble TD to beat Stanford in Big Game 125 |first=Steve |last=Kroner |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=November 19, 2022 |accessdate=May 8, 2023}}

The Bears finished 6–7 in 2023, the fourth consecutive losing season under Wilcox. They achieved road wins over rivals Stanford and UCLA to earn bowl eligibility for the first time since 2019. Cal's 27–15 victory in the Big Game was the program's third straight win over Stanford, and fourth in five years.{{cite news |url=https://calbears.com/news/2023/11/18/football-grizzell-leads-bears-past-stanford-in-126th-big-game.aspx |title=Grizzell Leads Bears Past Stanford In 126th Big Game |date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |publisher=Cal Athletics}} The Bears were trounced 34–14 by Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl.

The Bears finished 6–7 again in 2024, and 2–6 in conference in their inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Cal defeated Stanford 24–21 in the Big Game, their fourth straight victory, and fifth in six seasons. The Bears lost 24–13 to UNLV in the LA Bowl.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401677081 |title=Hajj-Malik Williams throws 2 TDs passes to help No. 24 UNLV beat Cal 24-13 in the LA Bowl |date=December 18, 2024 |work=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 4, 2025}}

Wilcox is the son of Dave Wilcox, an All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2017/09/oregons_own_justin_wilcox_has.html |title=In Justin Wilcox's first season, Cal exceeding expectations entering Oregon matchup |first=Andrew |last=Greif |date=September 28, 2017 |work=The Oregonian}} Inducted in 2000, he played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), from 1964 to 1974, all with the 49ers. From Vale in eastern Oregon, Dave played college football at Boise Junior College, then transferred to Oregon in 1962.

Justin's brother, Josh Wilcox, was three years ahead in school and played tight end for the Ducks and two seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. Justin's uncle John Wilcox also played in the NFL, in the early 1960s.

{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = California Golden Bears

| conf = Pac-12 Conference

| startyear = 2017

| endyear = 2023

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2017

| name = California

| overall = 5–7

| conference = 2–7

| confstanding = 5th (North)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2018

| name = California

| overall = 7–6

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = 5th (North)

| bowlname = Cheez-It

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2019

| name = California

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = T–2nd (North)

| bowlname = Redbox

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2020

| name = California

| overall = 1–3

| conference = 1–3

| confstanding = T–5th (North)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2021

| name = California

| overall = 5–7

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = 4th (North)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2022

| name = California

| overall = 4–8

| conference = 2–7

| confstanding = T–9th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2023

| name = California

| overall = 6–7

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = T–7th

| bowlname = Independence

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = California Golden Bears

| conf = Atlantic Coast Conference

| startyear = 2024

| endyear =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 2024

| name = California

| overall = 6–7

| conference = 2–6

| confstanding = T–14th

| bowlname = LA

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = California

| overall = 42–50

| confrecord = 23–43

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record End

| overall = 42–50

| bowls = no

| poll = no

| polltype =

| legend = no

}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/justin-wilcox-1.html Coaching statistics] at Sports Reference
• [https://calbears.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/justin-wilcox/1417 California profile]

{{California Golden Bears football coach navbox}}

{{Atlantic Coast Conference football coach navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilcox, Justin}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football defensive backs

Category:Boise State Broncos football coaches

Category:California Golden Bears football coaches

Category:Oregon Ducks football coaches

Category:Oregon Ducks football players

Category:Tennessee Volunteers football coaches

Category:USC Trojans football coaches

Category:Washington Huskies football coaches

Category:People from Junction City, Oregon

Category:Coaches of American football from Oregon

Category:Players of American football from Eugene, Oregon