Fresno State’s Tedford steps down due to health

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterJul 15, 2024, 04:02 PM ET
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- College football reporter.
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
- Graduate of Northwestern University.

Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford, who battled health issues during two successful stints at the helm of his alma mater, is stepping down from his post.

Tedford, 62, said in a statement that health concerns following a “recent medical check-up” prompted his decision to step down. He attended Mountain West media days last week in Las Vegas and had said his health was OK.

Tim Skipper, Fresno State’s linebackers coach and assistant head coach, will serve as the team’s interim head coach for the 2024 season.

“I have a tremendous amount of pride and passion for Fresno State, and I understand the time and energy necessary to lead at a high level,” Tedford said in a statement. “The players, coaches and Bulldog supporters deserve the best. Unfortunately, I am not able to sustain the commitment needed to perform at the level needed to guide the program.

“We are extremely fortunate to have continuity with a great coaching staff. I have full confidence that they will continue to guide our terrific student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.”

Tedford did not coach the team’s bowl game in December because of health issues, and Skipper stepped in for the contest. Tedford also stepped away from coaching after the 2019 season because of heart-related issues only to return in 2022.

He went 45-22 with two Mountain West titles in two stints at Fresno State, where he played quarterback in 1981 and 1982, and was a finalist for national coaching honors in 2018.

“Coach Tedford’s contributions to Fresno State and the Central Valley have been nothing short of extraordinary,” new Fresno State athletics director Garrett Klassy said in a statement. “His dedication, passion, and commitment have not only led our football program to numerous championships but also deeply impacted the community. 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.

“We are grateful for his endless contributions, wish him the best with his health, and I expect to lean on Coach Tedford during my transition due to his incredible insight and relationships.”

Tedford is also the winningest coach in Cal history, going 82-57 in 11 seasons with the school, which shared the Pac-10 title in 2006 and finished No. 9 nationally in 2004. He won three league coach of the year honors (two Pac-10, one Mountain West).

Skipper, a former Fresno State linebacker, coached running backs and linebackers at the school from 2006 to 2011, also serving as defensive coordinator for three games, before returning to the staff with Tedford in 2022.

The Bulldogs open the season Aug. 31 at defending national champion Michigan.