| Year: | 1996 |
| Team: | California Golden Bears |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Pacific-10 Conference |
| Short Conf: | Pac-10 |
| Record: | 6–6 |
| Conf Record: | 3–5 |
| Head Coach: | Steve Mariucci |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Off Coach: | Hue Jackson |
| Oc Year: | 1st |
| Def Coach: | Tom Holmoe |
| Dc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | California Memorial Stadium |
| Bowl: | Aloha Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | L 38–42 vs. Navy |
The 1996 California Golden Bears football team was an American football team that represented the University of California, Berkeley in the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their only year under head coach Steve Mariucci, the Golden Bears compiled a 6–6 record (3–5 in Pac-10, fifth), and were outscored by their opponents 407 to 382.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included Pat Barnes with 3,499 passing yards, Brandon Willis with 701 rushing yards, and Bobby Shaw with 888 receiving yards.[3]
See also: 1996 NCAA Division I-A football rankings.