The 1980s saw a full return to mediocrity, with California posting only one winning season in the entire decade - 1982. Even though he had only one winning season, Joe Kapp was the most successful coach during this period. Kapp was a Cal quarterback during the 1950s and was considered to be one of the greatest players in Cal history. He was a gritty quarterback on the runner-up Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Even though he did not have any coaching experience, due to his famous determination and commitment to the team, Kapp was hired as the head coach in 1982. Kapp's success as a player did not translate into success as a coach. His first season could be considered his best, with the Bears winning four conference games and reaching the sixth place in the standings. The 1986 season was Kapp's last. It is remembered for his team's upset of Stanford in the 1986 Big Game. Stanford was 7-2 and ranked 16th in the nation. Despite this, Kapp's defense dominated the game - Stanford's quarterback John Paye was sacked seven times, while it's running game was held to 41 yards. Cal won the game 17–11.
