Fresno State has appointed University of Southern California (USC) Assistant Head Coach For Defense and former North Dakota State Head Coach Matt Entz as the 23rd head football coach. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, both sides have a 5 year agreement that will allow Entz to assume the head coach role for the program. The athletic department officially announced the hiring on Dec. 4
Entz’s background
Entz comes to the valley fresh off a one year stint with USC, where in his only season, the Trojans jumped from No. 119 to 70 in total defense. Most notably, Entz spent 5 seasons (2019-2023) as North Dakota State’s head coach, where he earned the reputation of being a winner. While with the Bison, Entz posted a 60-11 win/loss record, along with a 15-3 playoffs record and also captured two NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championships in 2019 and 2021. Entz also was the recipient of the Missouri Valley Football Coach Of The Year award in 2019 and 2021.
Another important coaching aspect that Entz will look to bring to Fresno State is his own take on leadership qualities, qualities he has referred to as “transformational leadership.” In a video clip from his time at North Dakota State, Entz addresses a room of players and explains that transformational leadership enables “communication”, the ability to “play for the logo” and not “sacrificing expectations.”
USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley also credits Entz as someone who made people around him “better” during his time with the program.
“He’s a great hire,” Riley said of Entz when addressing the coach’s move to Fresno State. “He made us better, he made me better.”
As head coach at North Dakota State, Entz also played a key role in developing eight eventual NFL Draft picks, including the 2021 No. 3 overall pick, quarterback Trey Lance.
Regarding his plans to recruit and attract talent to the Valley, Entz said during his introductory press conference on Dec. 4 that he will consider high school recruits, Division 1 transfers and local junior college transfers in his efforts to rebuild the Bulldogs’ roster.
While fans will have to wait a couple of months for Entz to officially debut with Fresno State Football, his resume provides promise for a defensive-heavy approach with physicality present all over the field. Entz’s teams have also shown a recurring theme to remain consistent and compete hard with some of the most notable programs in college football.
Entz’s outlook on the program
“If you can be that dominant line of scrimmage team and control the clock, you have a great opportunity to win games,” Entz said, during his presser while discussing his philosophy for the Bulldogs offensive attack.
The philosophy is one of multiple attributes and skill sets.
“At the same time, we have to be as different as we can be,” Entz said. “We have to find difference makers on the perimeter, guys that can go up and have a huge catch radius and stretch the field vertically as well.”
While questions still persist from the public regarding Entz’s potential coaching staff and who he may recruit on the team, his coaching style and winning attitude gives everyone plenty of reason to be excited.
Entz characterizes the football program as the “front porch” of the university, saying he wants to ensure he represents it the right way.
Filling the shoes of Jeff Tedford will be a tall task for Entz, a task that may be filled with many highs and lows in the beginning. The entire valley will have a close eye on Entz as he puts his stamp on the program. Lucky for him, he will have some of the most passionate fans in his corner, the Red Wave.
“I’m not a Bulldog alum, but I do think I have Bulldog qualities,” declared Entz.
My personal stance
Personally, I think the hiring of Matt Entz will prove to be a great hire for Fresno State Football. The biggest thing that stands out to me about Entz is his deep understanding of fundamentals in football.
During his press conference on Dec. 4, Entz proved that he is a fundamental and schematic teacher, breaking down both his defensive and offensive ideas to a tee. Everything Entz said seemed very intentional and purposeful. Whether it was his in depth analysis of his defensive 4-2-5 scheme, his desire to build a run first offense, or even his willingness to listen to others when it comes to recruiting.
Entz says this will also include traveling to Central Valley high schools and “rubbing elbows” with head coaches in an effort to better improve Fresno State’s chance at landing recruits. It’s clear that Entz will use his fundamentals and ideas to do his best in solidifying the program for success, on and off the field. Entz understands a winning mindset can produce sustainable winning results.
Now, I will make it clear that I understand the decision to hire head coach from outside the Valley can turn out to be a dicey play, especially in terms of the possibility of Entz leaving for a different job at some point, I believe that Entz will find the success required to be in the good graces of Fresno State fans and players for many years to come. I am so excited for the future of the football program and I can’t wait for the Entz era to get underway next fall.