California names Dykes head coach

Dec 6, 2012 - 3:56 AM Berkeley, CA (Sports Network) - Sonny Dykes, who guided the nation's top scoring offense of Louisiana Tech this past season, has been named the new head coach of the California Golden Bears.

Dykes takes over for Jeff Tedford, who was fired at the end of the season.

"Sonny Dykes is one of the brightest offensive minds in the country, running a high-octane style of football, one that I'm certain will allow our student- athletes to thrive and that our community will love on gameday," California athletics director Sandy Barbour said. "However, it was far more than his history of a top-ranked offense and his proven success on the football field that solidified my decision; it was the way he described his responsibility to the University at large and his commitment to creating a climate of comprehensive excellence and success for his student-athletes."

The 43-year-old Dykes has coached Louisiana Tech the past three seasons, accumulating a 22-15 record. The Bulldogs went 9-3 this season, but decided not to play in a postseason bowl. They averaged a stunning 51.5 points per game.

"I am excited for the opportunity to become head coach at the University of California," Dykes said. "Cal offers one of the best combinations of athletics and academics in the country, and a passionate fan base to match. I'm looking forward to bringing our exciting and enthusiastic brand of football to Berkeley."

Prior to his stint at Louisiana Tech, Dykes spent three seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona.

The Golden Bears finished their season 3-9 overall and 2-7 in Pac-12 play, but Tedford departed as the program's all-time winningest coach, compiling an 82-57 record over 11 seasons.