Entz Raids NIU Staff Again. It's for a Linebackers Coach This Time

Fresno State Sports

By Steven Sanchez

Published 3 days ago on

January 3, 2025

Adam Breske will be the new linebackers coach on Fresno State head football coach Matt Entz's staff. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

Adam Breske joins Fresno State after successful stint at NIU, where he helped lead the defense to a No. 4 FBS ranking in 2024.
Breske and new defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto have a history of coaching together.
Breske's coaching experience spans multiple programs, with his linebackers earning numerous all-conference honors.

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Fresno State football coach Matt Entz said on Friday that Northern Illinois’ Adam Breske will be the Bulldogs’ new linebackers coach.

His hiring comes after the Bulldogs added new defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto from the Huskies last week.

Breske replaces Ben Watkins, who had been with Fresno State for five years.

The Bulldogs lost the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to NIU, and they’re apparently taking their coaching staff with them.

The Huskies defense ranked No. 4 in the FBS in 2024 under Benedetto. Breske also coached with Benedetto at the University of Sioux Falls (2017) and South Dakota (2010-11).

Breske was the linebackers and special teams coach at Sioux Falls (2005-06) when Benedetto played for the Cougars. They won the NAIA National Championship and went 14-0 in 2006.

Breske’s Coaching Experience

He was the defensive quality control assistant at Washington State in 2022.

He coached inside linebackers (2018-2021) and was the special teams coordinator in 2019 at Idaho. While Breske was there, Vandals defenders earned 11 All-Big Sky Conference honors, and the special teamers were named all-conference six times.

His coaching career began in 2002 as he spent three years on the staff of Central High School in his hometown of Greeley, Colorado.

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Steven Sanchez,

Entertainment/Sports Writer

Steven Sanchez, a resident of Clovis, graduated from Buchanan High School in the class of 2007 and obtained his film degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steven is a multifaceted artist, working as a filmmaker, writer, photographer, videographer, and published author. He has a profound passion for movies, comic books, and rock ‘n’ roll. A dedicated football enthusiast, he cheers for the Las Vegas Raiders. In his leisure time, he indulges in reading and collecting vinyl records. Steven is often found attending rock shows in town, a keen enthusiast of live music. He holds a special fondness for his grandma's homemade meals and spending time with his twin sister.