“The phone is still ringing. A lot of people are sending me support. When you feel and hear the love it’s priceless. No words to explain it. I love the Valley,” interim Fresno State football coach Tim Skipper said Wednesday morning at Valley Children’s Stadium.

He replaced Jeff Tedford due to health concerns on July 15.

“It’s been awesome. I’m excited to represent the Valley and keep that Valley toughness when we play these games,” Skipper said in his first news conference since taking over.

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Proving What He Can Do

The word “interim” has been emphasized when describing his role. That leaves a big question up in the air. Is his place permanent or temporary? Will this season basically be a tryout to see if he keeps the role for good?

“It doesn’t matter what coach you are, head coach or position coach, you better win and if you don’t, you’re out of here,” Skipper said. “That’s the nature of the beast. I like that part of it, being a competitive dude. The best players play and the best coaches coach. I don’t look at it as a tryout, I see it as an opportunity to win.”

This is not the first time Skipper has stepped in for Tedford. He was the “acting” head coach for the 2023 Isleta New Mexico Bowl leading the Bulldogs to a convincing victory over New Mexico State.

A full season lies ahead. The success or failure of the team falls on the coach. The safety net of knowing your predecessor is coming back won’t be there. It’s a different situation now and Skipper says he embraces the journey because he’s always wanted to be the main guy on the sideline.

“Being a head coach has been a goal of mine. It’s a full season and I love the grind, that’s why I do it. I like to see young men become grown men. I enjoy the process. The development is what I like the most and it’ll be exciting to watch this year,” said Skipper.

Skipper Faces Big Challenges in Debut Season

He’s got big shoes to fill. Tedford left quite a legacy, compiling a 44-22 overall record over five seasons. He led the Bulldogs to three West Division titles, two Mountain West Championship wins, four bowl victories, two Top 25 finishes, and three 10-win seasons (2017, 2018, 2022).

Skipper has a pedigree of his own coming from a family of coaches and having played for the Bulldogs as a linebacker (1997-2000). He was first on the staff 2006-2011, and then came back to program in 2022. He knows Bulldog football.

His debut as the official head coach will be a big test as the Bulldogs open the 2024 season in Ann Arbor against the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines on Aug. 31. The game will be broadcast on NBC at 4:30 p.m.

“It’s definitely a challenge. It’s Fresno State football and like former head coach Pat Hill said ‘anybody, anytime, anywhere’ and that’s what it is,” Skipper said. “We’re going to go play and that’s why we practice the way we practice. If you’re going to gauge yourself on somebody might as well go to the very top.

“There’s a lot of work to do before we get there. We have to set our own mentality, toughness, and work ethic and we have to take care of all that before we get to prep for Michigan.”

His Hiring is History for the Program

There are 17 Black head coaches among the 134 FBS schools for the 2024 season. Until Skipper, Fresno State had never had a Black head football coach. This is history. His presence can impact and help diversify the fan base as well as broaden the Bulldogs’ recruiting pool.

“When the numbers are low like that you feel the blessing of getting your own opportunity,” Skipper said. “I just want to be a role model for the kids and young adults out there that want to get in the position that I am. Do a good job so they can bring up the future behind me. It’s a huge thing and something to improve as years go by.”

“With recruiting, the key is for me to be myself and hopefully the recruits want to come here.”

Skipper made it known that Tedford will always be welcomed and he’ll consult with him. There’s no denying Tedford’s impact on the program. And, even if Skipper is successful, some fans will insist that he won with Tedford’s recruits — not his own. That prospect doesn’t faze him at all.

“Haters are going to hate. I’m not worried about that. I recruited a lot of these players. We are a team. We’re going to do what we do and win games.”

Bringing Passion and Energy to the Bulldogs

Even though there’s already a player and fan familiarity with Skipper’s style and the contributions he’s made to the program, it’s still a transition going from one coach to the next. Skipper believes his personality and passion for the game has won the Red Wave over. His era begins now, and he wants to add a new chapter to his Bulldog legacy.

“I’m a very direct coach. I tell it how it is. I bring a lot of energy. I’m enthusiastic. I love ball, it excites me, when I hit the field I become a different person,” said Skipper. “I want the legacy to be about tough guys that played with fanatical effort and a coach that cared about his players. Once we get to that point, we’ll be fine.”