Cal Dealt Unfortunate Coaching News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 6:02 PM ET

The Cal Golden Bears will be searching for a new defensive coordinator after learning Peter Sirmon would be leaving the ACC program to join the New Orleans Saints as their linebackers coach.

California finished the 2024 season with 6-7 record, losing three of their last four games, including a 24-13 loss to UNLV in the LA Bowl.

Since joining the staff in 2018 as associate head coach and inside linebackers coach, Sirmon was promoted up into more responsibilities, ending his tenure with Cal as the teams' ILB coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator.

Sirmon replaces Michael Hodges, who was hired for the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals last month.

Sources: Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon is leaving to become the linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints. pic.twitter.com/t5K129TzFi
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 25, 2025

Cal allowed 22.3 points per game, 36th in FBS and second-best in the ACC. The Golden Bears' 337.5 yards allowed per game was third-best in the ACC.

Cal's defense excelled in 2024 at forcing turnovers, finishing 11th in turnover margin (+11) and tied for sixth in interceptions (17).

In November, Sirmon was named a Broyles Award nominee, one of 65 selected for the annual award given to college football's best assistant coach. The Award is selected by the "Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), broadcasters, a college football hall-of-fame selection committee and current head coaches."

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden would win this year's Broyles Award, and like Sirmon, would leave college football for a role in the NFL by joining the Bengals as defensive coordinator.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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