Cal switched play-callers during UNLV loss
Pat McCann took over from Jordan Somerville as the Bears rallied in the second half; Cal’s quarterback remains a practice question.
By Sports Desk / Published October 6, 2026
Cal changed offensive play-callers during Saturday’s loss at UNLV, coach Tosh Lupoi confirmed Tuesday. Passing game coordinator Pat McCann took over from offensive coordinator Jordan Somerville, a midgame response to another difficult start for the Bears’ offense.
Lupoi’s confirmation settles a change he had previously discussed only in broader terms. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported Tuesday that McCann assumed the duties midway through the game. FootballScoop’s Doug Samuels also reported the change from Lupoi’s Tuesday comments.
Cal trailed 24-7 at halftime before scoring 24 points in the second half. The Bears still lost 39-31 and fell to 2-3. Their second-half improvement came after starting quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele left the game and backup Jackson Brousseau took over.
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Brousseau completed 19 of 32 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, according to FootballScoop. The Bears finished with 464 total yards and their highest point total against an FBS opponent this season, but also committed 16 penalties for 147 yards.
McCann brings prior experience running an offense. He was Fresno State’s offensive coordinator before joining Cal, and his 2023 unit ranked second in the Mountain West in passing. Somerville came from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he had worked with quarterbacks, and is in his first season as an offensive coordinator.
General manager Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that Lupoi was seeking answers aggressively. Rivera also described Somerville as a good coach who was still learning the demands of calling plays, Rittenberg reported.
The quarterback situation remains another consideration before Cal hosts Virginia Tech on Saturday. Rittenberg reported that Lupoi said Sagapolutele sustained a concussion against UNLV and did not participate in contact portions of Tuesday’s practice. That practice report does not settle his availability for the next game.
Lupoi’s Tuesday explanation establishes who called Cal’s second-half plays against UNLV. It leaves the next game’s quarterback availability and the longer-term allocation of offensive duties to be resolved.
Cal enters its next game after a confirmed change in how its offense was directed. Tuesday’s comments explain Saturday’s adjustment without establishing a settled plan for the rest of the season.