Bulldogs pick two of their own for openings

Staff Reports
The Collegian

Two football coaches who have previous experience with the Bulldogs have been offered positions with the team.

Head coach Pat Hill has announced the hiring of Tim Skipper as running backs coach and Derek Frazier as offensive line coach.

Skipper will replace John Settle, who resigned last week to take a coaching position at the University of Wisconsin. Frazier replaces Mark Weber, who also resigned last week to accept another coaching position.

“We are very happy to have Tim and Derek back in our program,” Hill said in a press release. “They are two outstanding young coaches who know what Bulldog football is all about. They are committed to the program and I’m very pleased to have them back on our campus. With their personality, communication skills and attention to detail, I expect they will be excellent recruiters and coaches.”

Skipper spent the previous two seasons at Sacramento State where he served as defensive coordinator for the Hornets. He was also the team’s secondary coach in 2003.

During his tenure, Sacramento produced the Big Sky Conference’s leading tackler, top sack producer and interception leader.

Before joining Sacramento, Skipper served as secondary coach at Western New Mexico University for two seasons and as defensive coordinator in 2002.

From 1997 to 2000 he played as a middle linebacker for the Bulldogs despite being one of the smallest players in college football. He was also a defensive captain for two years and earned Freshman All-America honors in addition to being named an all-WAC player for three years.

“I’m glad to be back,” Skipper said. “This is a special place and the place I always wanted to be. I’m looking forward to playing Bulldog football again.”

Skipper's older brother was a running back for the Bulldogs and is currently a runnings back coach at Washington State. His father, Jim, is a former NFL offensive coordinator.

For his part, Frazier returns to Fresno State after one season as the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Northern Arizona University. He previously spent two seasons from 2003 to 2004 as a graduate assistant at Fresno State where he worked with the offensive line.

During his two seasons on staff the Bulldogs won consecutive bowl games over UCLA and Virginia.

Frazier also worked at Adams State College for two seasons before coming to Fresno State the first time.

During the 2000 season he served as an offensive coordinator at Nichols College where he led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance.

Frazier’s college career was spent at Northern Colorado University where he lettered for four years and helped the Bears win their first national championship in 1996. As a senior he was selected as the team’s most inspirational player.

Fresno State is still looking to fill a coaching vacancy on the defensive line.

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