Fresno State football coach Jeff Tedford stepping down, cites recurring health concerns

Fresno State football coach Jeff Tedford, who returned to the sidelines in 2022 following a heart-related health scare, is stepping down as Bulldogs’ coach.

“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 statement from the athletics department.

“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. The players, coaches and Bulldog supporters deserve the best,” he said. “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.”

Linebackers coach Tim Skipper will serve as interim coach — the Bulldogs are scheduled to open fall camp in two weeks, with an Aug. 31 date at defending champion Michigan to open the season. Skipper led the Bulldogs to a 37-10 victory over New Mexico State in the New Mexico Bowl last December to cap a 9-4 season, after Tedford stepped away briefly due to a health concern.

Tedford, who represented Fresno State at the Mountain West Conference media days last week, is 127-79 (.617) in 16 seasons as a college head coach at Cal and Fresno State. He has led the Bulldogs to 19 wins, one conference championship and two bowl victories over the past two seasons and twice has made history at his alma mater.

In his first stint at Fresno State from 2017 to 2019, Tedford inherited a program that went 1-11. He became the first coach to lead a one-win team to 10 or more wins in his first two seasons. The Bulldogs went 10-4 in 2017 and 12-2 with a Mountain West championship in 2018. Then, in 2022, the Bulldogs’ coach became the first in history to take a team off to a 1-4 start to a 10-win season.

Tedford is 45-22 in years at Fresno State with Mountain West championships and 4-0 in bowl games.

“Coach Tedford’s contributions to Fresno State and the Central Valley have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said athletics director Garrett Klassy in the 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.”

This story will be updated.