Cal names Minnesota Vikings assistant Michael Hutchings as its new defensive coordinator

New Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi named Minnesota Vikings assistant coach Michael Hutchings, a fellow former De La Salle High star, as the Bears’ new defensive coordinator on Friday.

Hutchings has been the Vikings’ safeties coach the past two seasons and has eight years of coaching experience since finishing his college playing career at USC in 2016. Minnesota’s pass defense has allowed the fifth-fewest yards per game (292.7) in the NFL this season.

He also coached at USC (2018-20), Oregon (2021) and Western Kentucky (2022) before joining the Vikings. At USC, Hutchings coached former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Meanwhile, Cal also hired Da’Von Brown from Western Kentucky to serve as the Bears’ defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator alongside Hutchings. Brown was the Hilltoppers’ co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach this season.

Brown coached multiple All-Conference USA players at Western Kentucky in 2024, including current 49ers rookie Upton Stout.