Sonny Dykes Leaving LA Tech Bulldogs for California Bears
By: Staff
Updated: December 6, 2012
Update: Sonny Dykes, who led Louisiana Tech to a nine win season, is leaving to become the new head coach for the California Golden Bears.
Statement from California Bears: Sonny Dykes, one of the brightest offensive minds in the country who directed the nation's top-ranked scoring offense at Louisiana Tech this past season, has been named head football coach at the University of California, Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour announced Wednesday.
"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," 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. We discussed the unique place that Berkeley and Cal Athletics occupy in higher education, standing for both academic and athletic excellence. Above all, Sonny values the opportunity to develop relationships with and have an impact on his student-athletes, staff and community."
"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. Our objectives are numerous. In addition to winning football games, we will strive to develop the total student-athlete in the classroom, on the field of play and in the campus and local communities. We want a win-everywhere mentality."
Dykes' high-energy style of offense produced one of the most accomplished attacks in the country this past fall. Louisiana Tech led the nation with 51.50 points per game while also ranking among the NCAA's top 20 in total offense (2nd, 577.92 yards per game), passing offense (4th, 350.75 ypg), rushing offense (18th, 227.17 ypg), turnover margin (10th, +1.08 per game) and sacks allowed (8th, 0.83 per game). The Bulldogs scored at least 40 points in 11 of 12 games and 50 or more points on eight occasions.
6:30p:
NBC 10 Sports has confirmed that Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes will be named the new head coach at California. Dykes is expected to meet with his players tonight in Ruston.
Dykes led Tech to a 9-3 season this year. The Bulldogs were 22-15 in three seasons under Dykes.
Under Dykes, Louisiana Tech led the nation is scoring this season.
Despite that, the Bulldogs were selected to go to a bowl game this season.
Stay with NBC 10 Sports for this developing story.
Statement from California Bears: Sonny Dykes, one of the brightest offensive minds in the country who directed the nation's top-ranked scoring offense at Louisiana Tech this past season, has been named head football coach at the University of California, Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour announced Wednesday.
"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," 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. We discussed the unique place that Berkeley and Cal Athletics occupy in higher education, standing for both academic and athletic excellence. Above all, Sonny values the opportunity to develop relationships with and have an impact on his student-athletes, staff and community."
"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. Our objectives are numerous. In addition to winning football games, we will strive to develop the total student-athlete in the classroom, on the field of play and in the campus and local communities. We want a win-everywhere mentality."
Dykes' high-energy style of offense produced one of the most accomplished attacks in the country this past fall. Louisiana Tech led the nation with 51.50 points per game while also ranking among the NCAA's top 20 in total offense (2nd, 577.92 yards per game), passing offense (4th, 350.75 ypg), rushing offense (18th, 227.17 ypg), turnover margin (10th, +1.08 per game) and sacks allowed (8th, 0.83 per game). The Bulldogs scored at least 40 points in 11 of 12 games and 50 or more points on eight occasions.
6:30p:
NBC 10 Sports has confirmed that Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes will be named the new head coach at California. Dykes is expected to meet with his players tonight in Ruston.
Dykes led Tech to a 9-3 season this year. The Bulldogs were 22-15 in three seasons under Dykes.
Under Dykes, Louisiana Tech led the nation is scoring this season.
Despite that, the Bulldogs were selected to go to a bowl game this season.
Stay with NBC 10 Sports for this developing story.
