California Hires Montgomery: California figured that if Mike Montgomery could help Stanford dominate the Golden Bears for much of 18-year run with the Cardinal, he might be able to return the favor against Cal’s biggest rival as the Bears’ coach. Cal will announce Montgomery as the Bears’ replacement for Ben Braun, whose 12-year tenure ended after this past season. The Golden Bears had plenty of talent but couldn’t crack the Pac-10’s top eight. Montgomery has a 547-244 record as a college coach. He left the Cardinal in 2004 to coach the Golden State Warriors, who fired him in 2006. [4/05/08]