Fresno State football head coach Matt Entz hires new defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto from Northern Illinois. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
- Benedetto's 2024 NIU defense ranked in Top 30 FBS for passing, total, and scoring defense, sacks, and rushing defense.
- As Sioux Falls coordinator (2017-2019), Benedetto's defense ranked 4th nationally in total defense.
- Coyle's 2024 Fresno State defense ranked No. 1 in Mountain West for several weeks, with standout performances from NFL prospect Cam Lockridge.
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The Fresno State football team lost the Potato Bowl to Northern Illinois, but the Bulldogs did take their defensive coordinator from the Huskies.
Fresno State coach Matt Entz hired Nick Benedetto on Saturday as the Bulldogs’ new defensive play-caller and safeties coach. He replaces college and NFL veteran Kevin Coyle.
𝘼𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙉𝙀🗣️
Welcome to the Valley, @NickBenedetto_ 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GYjTirswMJ
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) December 28, 2024
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Benedetto’s Impressive Track Record
With the Huskies since 2022, Benedetto’s 2024 squad ranked in the Top 30 in the FBS in passing defense, total defense, scoring defense, sacks, and rushing defense.
The highlight of NIU’s season was upsetting then fifth-ranked Notre Dame on Sept. 7. It was the first win over a Top 5 team in school and in Mid-American Conference history.
At Samford University, his 2020 unit placed first in the league in turnovers and opponents’ third down percentage, and third in quarterback sacks.
He also coached his alma mater, University of Sioux Falls (2017-2019). The 2019 Cougars were fourth nationally in total defense and second in 2017.
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Early Career and Accolades
While at West Virginia State (2013-2016) Benedetto was named one of the “Top 30 under 30” coaches in the country by the American Football Coaches Association and the NCAA in 2015.
His career began at the University of South Dakota (2010-2011) before heading to Grand View University (2012).
As a defensive back for Sioux Falls (2005-2008) Benedetto was mentored by former Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer.
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Kevin Coyle’s Legacy
Coyle has 46 years of coaching experience. He’s been with high profile programs like Cincinnati, Syracuse, Maryland, and LSU (twice).
His first stint at Fresno State as the defensive coordinator was from 1997–2000 under Pat Hill. Coyle returned in 2022 for Jeff Tedford.
In 2024, his group was the No. 1 ranked defense in the Mountain West conference for a few weeks. Cornerback and NFL Draft prospect Cam Lockridge finished the season ranked No. 17 in the FBS and No. 1 in interceptions and passes defended in the Mountain West conference.
He has nearly 20 years of coaching experience in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins (2012-15) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2001-11, 2016-17).
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