Fresno State football team is hiring former North Dakota State Head Coach and University of Southern California (USC) linebackers coach Matt Entz to be the 23rd head coach in program history.
“Entz is a proven winner with a championship pedigree, consistently leading his teams to success on the field. He is a leader of people who values growth both on and off the field,” said Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy. “Matt and his family embody the core values of integrity, grit, hard work, and selflessness that define what it means to be a Bulldog. We are confident that they will make meaningful contributions to our University, city, and the entire Valley.”
He now takes over for Fresno State interim head coach Tim Skipper who went 6-6 during the 2024 regular season. Since 2017, the Bulldogs have had four 10-win seasons.
Klassy added, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Tim Skipper for his unwavering dedication and leadership during a pivotal time for our football program. His commitment to our student-athletes and the university exemplifies the true spirit of Bulldog tenacity and resilience. Tim’s efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of excellence we uphold at Fresno State.”
Entz went 60-11, with a 15-3 playoff record as the lead man for the Bison from 2019 to 2023. This includes two NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Titles in 2019 and 2021. Both years, he was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coach of the Year.
The 2019 season was impressive in particular. He became the first Division I head football coach to go 16-0 in his first full season at the helm, defeating James Madison 28-20 to win the 2019 Division I FCS national Championship. The Bison that season became the first modern-era college football team in any division to finish a season 16-0, joining the 1894 Yale Bulldogs as the only 16-0 teams in college football history.
He spent the previous five seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator. On Dec. 10, 2023, Entz got hired at USC.
In his only season, the Trojans jumped from No. 119 to 70 in total defense.
The transfer portal opens today so Entz will have to make quick work to revamp the roster for the 2025 season.
There will be press conference tomorrow for Entz tomorrow at 10 a.m.