Citing health concerns, Jeff Tedford said he’s leaving the Fresno State football program on Monday — just six weeks before the Bulldogs open the season at defending champion Michigan in a nationally televised game.

The university said in a news release that assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper will be the interim head coach for 2024. Skipper served as the acting head coach while Tedford was away for the 2023 Isleta New Mexico Bowl.

“It is with sad emotions 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,” said Tedford in a news release.

The Bulldogs are expected to compete for the Mountain West title this season with the return of quarterback Mikey Keene, running back Malik Sherrod, a veteran offensive line, and a talented wide receiving crew. However, there are questions about the defense, which struggled in 2023 and lost many of its top players.

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Tedford at Fresno State

Tedford compiled a 44-22 overall record at Fresno State over five seasons. Tedford led Fresno State to three West Division titles, two Mountain West Championship wins, four bowl victories, and two Top 25 finishes. Tedford coached Fresno State to three 10-win seasons (2017, 2018, 2022).

“Coach Tedford’s contributions to Fresno State and the Central Valley have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Athletic Director Garrett Klassy. “Our goal during this coaching transition is to ensure it is as seamless as possible for our student-athletes, and to continue the championship culture that coach Tedford has established.”

As a collegiate head coach, Tedford owns a 127-79 overall record with 11 seasons spent at Cal (2002-12) and five at Fresno State (2017-19, 22-23). Tedford left Cal as the winningest coach in Cal Football history with 82 wins.

In his career, he was a three-time coach of the year recipient, earning the honor from the Mountain West in 2017 and from the Pac-10 in 2002 and 2004. His career boasted a 9-3 overall bowl game record, the third-best all-time win-loss percentage among head coaches who have coached in at least 10 bowl games.

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Former Bulldog tight end and current candidate for California’s State Assembly, David Tangipa said, “Coach Tedford is the definition of being Bulldog Born and Bulldog Bred. This is his home and his team. We, former players and fans, will miss seeing him, but he will always be a part of the Fresno State family. Coach Tedford is a visionary for the sport of football. I am sure he has diligently prepared for this situation and put Fresno State Football in a position to be victorious in this upcoming season. I am confident in the next year’s success, which is dedicated to him and the legacy he leaves behind. The Bulldog family wishes him good health!”

“Coach Tedford is one of the best coaches in the country and his résumé can back up that statement. However, the character of Tedford as a person helped me develop in college,” former Fresno State quarterback Jorge Reyna said. “His ability to allow his players to play free within a system and provide mentoring advice about life was a real treat. One of my favorite stories I have of Tedford is when I found out how good he actually was as a QB.”

Reyna reflected on his experience with him by saying, “Tedford had gone to Warren HS in Downey, Ca, & I went to the rival school so I would banter with Tedford about being better. Until I saw Tedford’s name in the record books in HS. Then I go on to train with Steve Clarkson (former San Jose St QB). Steve would praise about the last matchup he had with Tedford throwing for many TDs between the two. After that, I went to Tedford and said I know you are known as the QB guru, but man forgive my banter about your gameplay, you were really good!”

About Tim Skipper

“Coach Tedford is a living legend,” said Skipper. “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.”

Let’s go, @CoachTSkip !!! It’s your time now! The WHOLE Red Wave is behind you! Can’t wait to see you run down the ramp as HC for the first time!

— Bulldog Bounce (@BulldogBornBred) July 15, 2024

Skipper is in his second season back with the Bulldogs, having been on staff at Fresno State previously from 2006-11 and playing for the Bulldogs from 1997-2000.

He comes from a family of coaches. His father, Jim, coached for four decades before his retirement in 2019. Tim’s brother, Kelly, has been in the profession since 1989 and currently coaches running backs for the Buffalo Bills. Kelly was an All-American running back at Fresno State.