Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford announced Monday he’s stepping down from his role due to health reasons. Assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper will be the interim head coach in 2024.
Tedford said in a Fresno State press release the decision became clear following a “recent medical check-up.”
“I have a tremendous amount of pride and passion for Fresno State, and I understand the time and energy necessary to lead at a high level,” Tedford said. “The players, coaches and Bulldog supporters deserve the best. Unfortunately, I am not able to sustain the commitment needed to perform at the level needed to guide the program. We are extremely fortunate to have continuity with a great coaching staff. I have full confidence that they will continue to guide our terrific student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.”
What’s Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford’s Record?
Tedford went 44-22 during his two stints at Fresno State from 2017-19 and from 2022-23. He is 127-79 in the FBS as a head coach. From 2002-12 at Cal, he went 82-57.
Tedford is 9-3 in bowl games, including a perfect 4-0 mark while at Fresno State. He helped the Bulldogs win two Mountain West Championships.
“Coach Tedford’s contributions to Fresno State and the Central Valley have been nothing short of extraordinary,” Fresno State athletic director Garrett Klassy said. “His dedication, passion, and commitment have not only led our football program to numerous championships but also deeply impacted the community. Our goal during this coaching transition is to ensure it is as seamless as possible for our student-athletes, and to continue the championship culture that Coach Tedford has established. We are grateful for his endless contributions, wish him the best with his health, and I expect to lean on Coach Tedford during my transition due to his incredible insight and relationships.”
Who’s Fresno State’s New Head Coach?
Tim Skipper will be Fresno State’s head coach on an interim basis this season.
Skipper is in the second season of his second stint as a coach at Fresno State. He was the Bulldogs’ acting head coach last season during the New Mexico Bowl.
Skipper was a three-time All-WAC and four-year starting linebacker for Fresno State from 1997-2000, as he ranks second in the school record books with 418 career tackles. He returned to Fresno State as an assistant coach from 2006-11.
“Coach Tedford is a living legend,” Skipper said. “He is definitely an innovator and trendsetter of the game. His impact on college football will be felt forever, and I feel very fortunate to be able to have coached on his staff these past two seasons. The knowledge I have gained is priceless. I am looking forward to leading Bulldog football next season, and to continue the pride and tradition here at Fresno State to make the Red Wave proud.”
How Old Is Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford?
Tedford is 62 years old.
What’s Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford’s Salary?
Jeff Tedford signed a five-year deal that would end after the 2026 season. He made $1.6 million in total pay in 2023, according to USA Today.
Jeff Tedford’s Coaching History
| Years | Team | Position |
| 2022-present | Fresno State | HC |
| 2016-19 | Fresno State | HC |
| 2016 | Washington | Off. Consultant |
| 2015 | BC Lions | HC |
| 2014 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | OC |
| 2002-12 | Cal | HC |
| 1998-2001 | Oregon | OC |
| 1993-97 | Fresno State | OC |
| 1992 | Fresno State | QBs |
| 1989-91 | Calgary Stampeders | Off. Asst. |
| 1987-88 | Fresno State | Volunteer Asst. |
Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford’s Background
Tedford has coached at Fresno State at different points in a variety of roles. That’s also where he played quarterback in the early 1980s, as he broke the school’s career and single-season records for passing yards and touchdown passes en route to earning All-American honorable mention accolades.
After a four-year career in the CFL, he was a volunteer assistant coach at Fresno State from 1987-88. He returned to the CFL to be an offensive assistant for the Calgary Stampeders from 1989-91. He came back to Fresno State to coach quarterbacks in 1992 and was the team’s offensive coordinator from 1993-97.
He then was Oregon’s OC (1998-2001) before becoming the head coach of Cal from 2002-12. He left as the team’s all-time winningest coach with 82 wins as the Golden Bears made seven consecutive bowl appearances.
His next job was in the NFL as an offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014. He then was the BC Lions’ head coach in the CFL in 2015 and was an offensive consultant at Washington in 2016 before becoming Fresno State’s head coach.
