Tosh Lupoi

Tosh Lupoi (born July 22, 1981) is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Oregon. He previously served as the defensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, the defensive line and run game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020, the defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at the University of Alabama from 2017 to 2018.

Tosh Lupoi

Oregon Ducks
Position:	Defensive coordinator & linebackers coach
Personal information
Born:	(1981-07-22) July 22, 1981 (age 43) Walnut Creek, California, U.S.
Career information
College:	California
Career history
As a coach:
California (2008–2011) Defensive line coach Washington (2012–2013) Defensive line coach Alabama (2014–2015) Defensive analyst Alabama (2016) Outside linebackers coach Alabama (2017) Co-defensive coordinator & outside linebackers coach Alabama (2018) Defensive coordinator & outside linebackers coach Cleveland Browns (2019) Defensive line coach Atlanta Falcons (2020) Defensive line coach & run game coordinator Jacksonville Jaguars (2021) Defensive line coach Oregon (2022–present) Defensive coordinator & linebackers coach
Career highlights and awards
2× CFP National Champion (2015, 2017)

Playing career

As a player, Lupoi was a defensive lineman for Cal from 2000-05. He led the Bears' defensive line in tackles in 2003 and earned Pac-10 All-Academic recognition in 2005.

Coaching career

University of California, Berkeley

In 2008, Lupoi was hired as a defensive line coach at his alma mater, University of California, Berkeley.^[1] During his time as a Cal coach, Lupoi developed a reputation as an elite recruiter.^[2] In 2010, Lupoi was suspended for his role in instructing nose tackle Aaron Tipoti to fake an injury in a game against Oregon to try to slow down Oregon's fast, up-tempo offense.^[3] He left Cal amid controversy after he acted in bad faith by using his position as a Cal recruiter to convince elite recruits to commit to the University of Washington—where he intended to become a coach.^[4]

University of Washington

Following his departure from California, Lupoi served as the defensive line coach for University of Washington from 2012 to 2013. During his tenure, Lupoi was investigated and suspended for allegedly paying $4,500 to an associate of a recruit, though the matter was ultimately dismissed and deemed false. Head coach Steve Sarkisian elected not to rehire Lupoi when he left Washington to become the coach at USC.^[5] The new Washington head coach Chris Petersen also refused to hire him.^[6]

University of Alabama

Lupoi joined the Crimson Tide staff as a defensive analyst in 2014 ^[7] and coached the outside linebackers in 2015. He added the title of co-defensive coordinator prior to the 2016 season and served as defensive coordinator in 2018. During his time at Alabama, the Crimson Tide qualified for the College Football Playoffs all five seasons, advanced to the National Championship game four times and captured two national titles (2015 and 2017). During his time as coordinator, Alabama led the nation in scoring defense in 2016 (13.0 ppg) and 2017 (11.9). The school also finished second in the nation in total defense in 2016 (260.4 ypg) and 2017 (261.8 ypg). Lupoi worked with several players who went on to be first-round picks in the NFL, including DE Jonathan Allen, LB Reuben Foster, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, NT Daron Payne and LB Rashaan Evans.^[8]

Cleveland Browns

On January 18, 2019, Lupoi was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their defensive line coach under head coach Freddie Kitchens.^[9]

Atlanta Falcons

On January 11, 2020, Lupoi was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their defensive line coach and run game coordinator under head coach Dan Quinn.^[10]

Jacksonville Jaguars

On February 11, 2021, Lupoi was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars as their defensive line coach under head coach Urban Meyer.^[11]

Oregon Ducks

On January 10, 2022, Lupoi was hired by the Oregon Ducks as their defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under head coach Dan Lanning.^[12]

References

1. "Tosh Lupoi". Saturday Down South. February 17, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
2. Hiserman, Mike (November 27, 2010). "Fake injury has real consequences for Cal assistant coach". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
3. "Cal coach confesses to faking injuries". ESPN.com. November 29, 2010. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
4. Kuperberg, Jonathan (November 2, 2012). "After Tosh jumped ship, Cal has failed to right it". The Daily Californian. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
5. Jude, Adam (December 18, 2013). "Huskies assistant coach allegedly paid $4,500 cash for recruit's tutoring, classes". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
6. Klein, Gary (December 31, 2013). "Tosh Lupoi isn't part of new coaching staff at Washington". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
7. Kirpalani, Sanjay (January 24, 2015). "Tosh Lupoi Hire Is Huge for Alabama Football Recruiting". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
8. "Tosh Lupoi". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
9. Risdon, Jeff (May 30, 2019). "Browns DL coach Tosh Lupoi will not limit Myles Garrett". Browns Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
10. Ledbetter, D. Orlando (January 11, 2020). "Falcons hire Tosh Lupoi as defensive line/run game coordinator". AJC.com. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
11. Oehser, John (February 11, 2021). "Official: Cullen, defensive staff named". www.jaguars.com. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
12. Reubenking, Dylan (January 10, 2022). "Tosh Lupoi Officially Hired as Oregon's Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 23, 2022.

External links

• Oregon profile
• Alabama profile
• Cal player profile