The Fresno State football coaching staff will be missing Head Coach Jeff Tedford as it was announced that he will be stepping down due to health concerns.
The Fresno State Athletics Department shared the news today via a press release and social media.
“It is with sad emotion 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,” Tedford said in the statement.
Tedford accumulated multiple individual and team accolades during his five seasons as his alma mater’s head coach; including two Mountain West Championship wins, three West Division Titles, four bowl game wins and being named an Eddie Robinson Award and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year finalist in 2018.
Back in December, Tedford had temporarily stepped away from the position because of medical issues a little over two weeks before the Isleta New Mexico Bowl game.
Tim Skipper, assistant coach and linebackers coach, will take on the interim head coach position putting him in familiar territory since he led the team during that bowl game.
Skipper played linebacker for the ‘Dogs from 1997-2000 where he lives in the record books, ranking second in career tackles with 418.
“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.”
Tedford said that he looks forward to supporting the football program in any way he can while focusing on his health and family.
Kickoff to the first game of the season against Michigan is 47 days away, making it about a month and a half for the team to adjust to the coaching change.