Ron Rivera, some 45 years after excelling as a Cal linebacker, officially returned to Berkeley on Thursday as the football program’s general manager.

Ron Rivera spent more than three decades in the NFL and had opportunities to return to the sideline as an assistant when a more intriguing option came his way.

American, returns to UC Berkeley as the general manager of Cal’s football program. Hired to focus on revenue generation and fundraising, he will report directly to Chancellor Rich Lyons. This strategic move aims to help Cal compete in the dynamic college football landscape and succeed in the ACC.