Beau Baldwin announces he’ll be the new Cal offensive coordinator.

We have an offensive coordinator. Beau Baldwin has accepted the opportunity to be the primary offensive mind of the new Cal football program. Baldwin made the announcement at a press conference at Eastern Washington.

Baldwin had just signed a contract extension with Eastern Washington, but no buyout made it easy for Wilcox and the Bears to swoop in and make a favorable deal. Cal can easily double Baldwin’s salary as an offensive coordinator. Baldwin was due to make $240,000 this year; Cal paid Tony Franklin over half a million a year on average and Jake Spavital a hundred thousand or so less.

See my previous story for initial notes on his scheme and tactics.

Quotes from the Presser:

It is extremely difficult [to leave] and I like it when it is difficult.

On why now was the time to take the Cal job.

“This one’s right. It’s an incredible opportunity for our family and for our career."

On Working with Wilcox:

"I have the utmost respect for Coach Wilcox and what he's done and the man he is, so I feel really good about that"

On coaching at Cal:

"I have not only the utmost respect for the program that Cal Berkeley's had over the years but on top of that, the institution."

Here’s a tidbit from his press conference.

Baldwin comes with some impressive records set at the FCS level.

• As a head coach, he was 95-35
• 2010 FCS national champion
• He won five Big Sky titles (or a share of the title at the very least)
• His teams made six FCS playoff appearances
• Eastern Washington was approximately a top 10 FCS offense almost every year

Baldwin also proved to be regularly competitive with Pac-12 teams in early season clashes, beating Oregon State in 2013 and Washington State this season. In his last six years he’s come close to beating Pac-12 teams five out of the six times.

Eastern Washington football tweeted their support and thanks to Baldwin.

Vernon Adams also appears supportive of the hire.

This is the second apparent hire for Justin Wilcox’s coaching staff. Steve Greatwood is also likely to join the Bears, potentially as the offensive line coach.

Cal fans, your thoughts on Baldwin?