Cal taps Sonny Dykes as next football coach

The California Golden Bears football team needed a new voice, a new direction and a new passion.

And it appears they’ve found it.

Multiple reports state that Cal will name Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes as their new coach.

Source confirms that #Cal will hire Sonny Dykes. School already has held a team meeting.

— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) December 5, 2012

At the moment, Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Director is denying that report — though it’s not like he was going to confirm it until Cal made an announcement:

LaTech AD Bruce Van De Velde on Sonny Dykes & Cal: "I can't comment on any coaching speculation." If Dykes were staying, wouldn't he say it?

— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 5, 2012

Dykes just completed his third season with Louisiana Tech, where he led the team to a 9-3 record and an NCAA-leading 51.5 points per game.

The 43-year-old Dykes runs the fast-paced spread offense, which led to the Bulldogs averaging 577.9 yards per game in 2012 (350.8 yards through the air and 227.2 yards on the ground).

Various reports have #Latech FB coach Sonny Dykes leaving for Cal. @BleedTechBlue has confirmed a players meeting is scheduled for tonight.

— Brandon Dunn (@BDunnsports) December 6, 2012

Dykes will be put in charge of rebuilding a Cal program that has fallen off a football cliff in the last few years. Under Jeff Tedford, Cal finished with a losing season in two of the last three years, including an ugly 3-9 record in 2012.

Dykes not a big-name hire for #Cal, but he did guide nation's No. 1 offense, brings history with QBs, three years in Pac-10 (at Arizona)

— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) December 6, 2012