Former Fresno State Coach Tim Skipper Named Cal Poly Head Coach

Cal Poly announced the hiring of Tim Skipper as its 19th head football coach, ending a string of interim assignments and giving the former Fresno State standout a permanent lead role. Skipper arrives with recent experience guiding teams through transition seasons, including stints as interim head coach that produced notable wins and postseason appearances.

This past season Skipper served as interim head coach at UCLA, steering the Bruins to victories over Penn State, Michigan State and Maryland. The previous season he again carried an interim label at Fresno State, compiling a 6 to 7 record and securing a bowl appearance. He was Fresno State interim head coach in 2023 when the Bulldogs posted a 37 to 10 win over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. His role under Jeff Tedford as assistant head coach from 2022 to 2023 was part of a staff that helped Fresno State become the first program in FBS history to start the season 1 to 4 and finish with 10 wins.

Jeff Tedford praised the hire, saying in a statement, "I think he's a great fit. His character is impeccable and he truly cares about his players as people...I'm confident he'll be very successful there."

Skipper returns to a program where his playing and early coaching roots run deep. A four year starting linebacker at Fresno State beginning in 1997, he finished his collegiate career with 418 tackles, the second most in program history. His coaching resume includes positions with Central Michigan, Florida and Sacramento State, and from 2006 to 2011 he worked at Fresno State coaching running backs and linebackers while serving one year as interim defensive coordinator.

For Fresno County residents the hire carries practical implications. Skipper's local pedigree and relationships with area high school coaches and recruits could influence recruiting pipelines, and his elevation to a full time head coach may alter coaching staff movement in the region. Alumni engagement and local fan interest are likely to follow, especially as Cal Poly schedules games that intersect with Central Valley programs or draw Fresno State players and supporters.

Skipper will be formally introduced on Monday at 10 30 a.m. inside the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, where university officials and community stakeholders will have an early opportunity to assess his vision and priorities for the program.