Cal quarterbacks coach Marques Tuiasosopo chats about returning to the Bay Area

On the quarterbacks

I’m really happy how they’ve come out and they’ve approached learning this new system, and how we’re going to be doing things. We haven’t been perfect, but they’re learning, they’re taking it to the meeting room.

We got a ways to go, they’re doing good right now.

On learning from the players and vice-versa.

They’re getting used to my style of coaching. I’m able to evaluate them and who they are and how they can become the best they can be. We’re putting our head down, and grinding, and working hard.

What it’s like at Cal.

It’s all about the people you’re with. I’m blessed to be around different people.

When Justin called me to come join, the experience I had, the three years that we were together [at Washington and USC], it was a no-brainer for me. The opportunity to work with Beau, Steve Greatwood, Nick Edwards and Charlie Ragle...these are guys I got to know on the road. I got to know Beau and Nick from what they did at Eastern. I’m thrilled to be here right now.

It’s definitely been a crazy journey. I told my wife that, “Hey when I coach I want to stay at one place as long as I can.” But we love the Bay from my time with the Raiders and we’re thrilled to be back. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Bay—during my playing career, and my parents (my dad worked for the 49ers).

Having coached against Cal.

It’s a great school. You have a great stadium on campus. Look at this weather right now. It’s a great place with a rich football history.

On a wide-open quarterback competition

This is a new situation for myself. Keith Price at Washington was pretty set. Josh Rosen at UCLA was pretty set.

For me, I’ve been through it personally. So I know how it feels. I know what it’s like to be a quarterback in a quarterback battle...when I won the job in college [at Washington] my junior year. You teach them. You let them have plays and get them their opportunities. Whoever can grasp this offense and take a hold of the group and play well when they have to, they’ll win the job.

What you want to see from the players.

I want to see effort. I want them to continue to learn. From practice to practice we make corrections...I want to see corrections made the next practice.