What Is 1939 Cal Golden Bears football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley during the 1939 college football season, finishing with a 3–4–2 record under head coach Stub Allison. They played their home games at California Memorial Stadium and were part of the Pacific Coast Conference.

Key Facts

The 1939 California Golden Bears finished the season with a 3–4–2 overall record
Head coach Stub Allison led the team during his sixth season at Cal
The Golden Bears played in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC)
They played home games at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley
Cal's 1939 season included a 13–7 win over Stanford in the Big Game

Overview

The 1939 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley in the 1939 college football season. Competing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team was led by head coach Stub Allison, who was in his sixth year at the helm. The Bears played their home games at California Memorial Stadium, a venue that had become central to the program's identity since opening in 1923.

This season reflected a transitional period for Cal football, as the team struggled to maintain consistency against conference rivals. Despite a challenging schedule, the Golden Bears managed to secure a winning record against non-conference opponents and delivered a memorable performance in the annual Big Game against Stanford. The season concluded with a modest 3–4–2 overall record, including a 2–3–2 mark in PCC play.

Season Record: The 1939 Golden Bears finished with a 3–4–2 overall record, reflecting a slightly below-average performance for the era.
Head Coach: Stub Allison, in his sixth season, continued to shape the program with a mix of veteran leadership and developing talent.
Conference: As members of the Pacific Coast Conference, the Bears faced strong competition from teams like USC and Washington.
Home Stadium: California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley hosted all home games, drawing thousands of fans each Saturday.
Big Game Victory: Cal defeated Stanford 13–7 in the 42nd edition of the Big Game, marking a highlight of the season.

How It Works

The 1939 season operated under the standard college football structure of the time, with a fall schedule culminating in rivalry matchups and conference standings. Teams played a mix of conference and independent opponents, with no national playoff system in place—only informal polls determining national champions.

Schedule Format: The Golden Bears played a 9-game season, including six conference matchups and three non-conference contests.
Scoring System: In 1939, touchdowns were worth 6 points, field goals 3, and safeties 2, consistent with modern rules.
Coaching Strategy: Stub Allison emphasized a balanced offense, utilizing both the run and pass in an era when the ground game dominated.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules limited eligibility to four seasons, and freshmen were not eligible to play varsity until 1972.
Game Day Experience: Fans attended games in person, with radio broadcasts on KCBS providing live updates across Northern California.
Recruiting: Cal relied on regional talent, primarily from California high schools, due to limited national scouting infrastructure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1939 Cal Golden Bears compare to other PCC teams and notable programs of the era:

Team	Overall Record	PCC Record	Head Coach	Notable Result
California	3–4–2	2–3–2	Stub Allison	Won Big Game 13–7
USC	8–0–2	6–0–1	Howard Jones	Tied UCLA 0–0
Washington	4–5	4–4	James Phelan	Lost to Cal 13–7
Stanford	2–7	2–5	Clark Shaughnessy	Lost Big Game to Cal
Minnesota	8–0	N/A	Bernie Bierman	Won National Title

The table highlights Cal’s middle-of-the-pack performance in the PCC. While USC dominated the conference, Cal’s victory over Washington and Stanford provided momentum. Nationally, powerhouse teams like Minnesota, which went undefeated, set a high standard, but Cal remained competitive within its regional footprint.

Why It Matters

The 1939 season is a snapshot of college football during a formative decade, illustrating the evolution of the sport before World War II reshaped athletic programs. Though not a championship contender, Cal’s performance reflected the competitive spirit of West Coast football and the growing importance of regional rivalries.

Historical Context: The 1939 season occurred just before WWII, which would soon disrupt college athletics across the U.S.
Rivalry Legacy: The win over Stanford preserved Cal’s pride in one of college football’s oldest rivalries.
Program Development: The season helped build momentum for future improvements under Stub Allison’s leadership.
Media Coverage: Radio broadcasts expanded the team’s reach, helping grow fan support beyond the Bay Area.
Recruiting Trends: Cal’s reliance on local talent underscored the regional nature of college football at the time.
Stadium Culture: Memorial Stadium continued to serve as a hub for community and school spirit in Berkeley.

While the 1939 Cal Golden Bears did not achieve national acclaim, their season contributed to the enduring legacy of California football, setting the stage for future successes in the postwar era.