COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : PAC-10 CONFERENCE : Ex-Cal Assistant Mariucci Named Coach

Green Bay Packer quarterbacks coach Steve Mariucci, a former California assistant, was named the Golden Bears’ new coach.

Mariucci, 40, has spent four years with the Packers, helping them to two playoff appearances and a 9-5 record this season.

“The last four years here with Green Bay have been a tremendous period of growth in my coaching career,” said Mariucci, who agreed to a five-year contract. “But I’m ready for this new challenge.”

He replaces Keith Gilbertson, who was fired after one winning season in four years.

A former All-America quarterback at Northern Michigan, Mariucci spent 1987-92 on the California staff, the last two years as offensive coordinator. He helped lead the program to a 10-2 record and a No. 7 national ranking in 1991.

“This is truly a great day for Cal football,” said Cal Athletic Director John Kasser. “When you combine a coach who is regarded by virtually everybody in the profession as a rising star, along with his background at Cal and his familiarity with the program, it’s like a dream match.”

Mariucci inherits a program that was 3-8 last season.