Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford Resigns Due to Health Concerns

Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Tedford has stepped down from his position due to health issues. Tedford, 62, led the Bulldogs to a 44-22 record in five seasons, including two Mountain West Conference championships and four bowl victories.

Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Tedford has announced his resignation from the position, citing health concerns. Tedford, 62, led the Bulldogs to a 44-22 record in five seasons, including two Mountain West Conference championships and four bowl victories.

In a statement released on Monday, Tedford said, "It is with sad emotions that following my recent medical checkup, 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."

Tedford's departure comes after he missed the New Mexico Bowl at the end of the 2022 season due to health reasons. Fresno State assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming season.

Tedford, a former Fresno State quarterback, took over the coaching reins in 2017 and guided a 1-11 program to 10 or more wins in each of his first two seasons. He stepped away from coaching in 2019 while dealing with heart-related issues but returned to his alma mater after Kalen DeBoer left for Washington late in the 2021 season.

Under Tedford's leadership, Fresno State won the 2022 Mountain West title and finished with a 10-4 record. He has a 127-79 overall record in 11 total college seasons at California and Fresno State.

Tedford has received numerous accolades throughout his coaching career, including being named an Eddie Robinson Award finalist and a Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award finalist in 2018.

Skipper, who has been with Fresno State since 2021, said of Tedford, "Coach Tedford is a living legend. 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."

Fresno State athletic director Terry Tumey expressed his gratitude to Tedford for his contributions to the university and wished him well in his future endeavors.

"We are grateful for Jeff's leadership and the success he brought to our football program," Tumey said. "His dedication and commitment to our student-athletes has been unwavering, and we wish him all the best in the future."

The Bulldogs will begin their search for a new head coach immediately.