NFL
By: Ashmere Parsad
April 11 – On Thursday California’s football team announced Terrence Brown and Vic So’oto will be promoted to co-defensive coordinators. Brown worked as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator the last two seasons, while So’oto, was the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach the past two seasons. Both coaches are entering their fourth season with the Bears.
Along with their new roles, coach Wilcox announced Keith Heyward (previously with Oregon State) and Bob Gregory were also named defensive backs coach and senior defensive assistant. Gregory was with the Golden Bears as the DC from 2002-2009 ‘eight years under coach Jeff Tedford when the Bears had a winning record each season.’ (Sports Illustrated)
Leading the defense 🫡
Terrence Brown and Vic So’oto have been elevated to Co-Defensive Coordinators.@CoachTB02 x @Coach_Sooto
🔗: https://t.co/gwYObE9DGi#GoBears pic.twitter.com/EWPjrXNl9K
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) April 10, 2025
When asked about his new role So’oto became emotional, saying, “I don’t think I can put into words what that means coming from coach Wilcox. It’s tough man. It’s tough to try to climb in this deal. Not like I’m trying to climb.”
Brown expressed the same appreciation for his new role and gave the defensive coaching staff their flowers. “We have such brilliant minds on our staff in terms of coaches that have done this for a long time, especially in the defensive room. To be considered for the opportunity, I am extremely grateful.”
Both co-DCs believe in the new group of coaches joining the team, even though it may seem like there are too many cooks in the kitchen. So’oto explained how the defensive coaching staff is a collaborative group regardless of their titles.
Co-DC Vic So’oto explains that the defensive coaching staff is a collaborative team, no matter the title #calfootball | @NBSMediaLIVE pic.twitter.com/R9SqiWp4rZ
— Ashmere (@ashmereprasad) April 12, 2025
Brown and So’oto will replace former DC Peter Sirmon who was with the Bears for the last six seasons. Sirmon accepted a role as the linebackers coach in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints. A new era for Cal Bears’ defensive has begun.
