Fresno State’s Tedford steps down from coaching with health concerns

Fresno State’s Jeff Tedford, 62, announced that he will step down as head football coach due to health concerns.

“It is with sad emotions that following my recent medical check-up, it is clear that due to health concerns, my family and I have made the decision to step aside as Fresno State’s head coach and allow someone else to lead the football program,” said Tedford in a news release by Fresno State athletics.

As head coach, Tedford compiled a 44-22 overall record. In five seasons, Tedford led Fresno State to three West Division titles, two Mountain West Championship wins, four Bowl Game victories, and two Top 25 finishes to cap a season. Tedford coached Fresno State to three 10-win seasons in his tenure.

Tedford first came to Fresno State in 2017, leaving in 2019, also for health reasons. He returned in 2022, but most recently took time off for his health during a 2023 bowl game in New Mexico.

It was previously he would return for the 2024 season.

“Coach Tedford’s contributions to Fresno State and the Central Valley have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy. “His dedication, passion, and commitment have not only led our football program to numerous championships but also deeply impacted the community.”

Tim Skipper, the current assistant head coach and linebackers coach, will step in as interim head coach for the 2024 season. Skipper served as the program’s acting head coach while Tedford was away for the 2023 Isleta New Mexico Bowl.

“Coach Tedford is a living legend,” said Skipper. “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 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.”

Tedford was an Eddie Robinson Award finalist and a Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award finalist in 2018 after Fresno State’s winningest season in program history, which included 12 wins.

He also made FBS history, coaching the Bulldogs to becoming the first program to go from a double-digit losing season (2016) to back-to-back double-digit winning seasons (2017, 2018). Tedford made FBS history again in 2022 as Fresno State became the first program to open a season 1-4 and finish with double-digit wins.

As a collegiate head coach, Tedford has a 127-79 overall record, with 11 seasons spent at Cal (2002-12) and five at Fresno State (2017-19, 22-23). Tedford left Cal as the winningest coach in Cal Football history, with 82 wins.

He was a three-time coach of the year recipient in his career, earning the honor from the Mountain West in 2017 and from the Pac-10 in 2002 and 2004. His career boasted a 9-3 overall bowl game record, the third-best all-time win-loss percentage among head coaches who have coached in at least 10 bowl games.

“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. 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,” said Tedford.

Skipper is in his second season after returning with the Bulldogs. He was on staff at Fresno State from 2006-11 and played for Fresno State from 1997-2000.

He comes from a family of coaches. His father, Jim, coached for four decades before his retirement in 2019. Tim’s brother, Kelly, has been in the profession since 1989 and currently coaches running backs for the Buffalo Bills. Kelly was an All-American running back at Fresno State.

Skipper played at Fresno State as a four-year starter at middle linebacker from 1997-2000. He was on the 1999 and 2000 watch lists of the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker. He is also a two-year defensive captain and three-time All-WAC selection – ranking second in school history with 418 career tackles, including 117 in his first campaign when he earned freshman All-America recognition. He was voted the team’s most inspirational player as a senior in 2000.

“I look forward to supporting the program in any way that I can as I focus on family and my health. My family and I will forever be grateful for the exciting and wonderful times. We also appreciate the support from the University and the community and are grateful to have been allowed to be a part of it all,” said Tedford.