Former Fresno State coach and player Tim Skipper hired at Cal Poly

Tim Skipper is finally getting his shot to lead a program without the label of "interim."

The former Fresno State player and coach has been hired to be Cal Poly's new head coach, becoming the 19th head coach in program history.

This past season, he led UCLA to wins over Penn State, Michigan State and Maryland as the Bruins' interim head coach. Last season, again with the interim label, he led Fresno State to a 6-7 record and a bowl appearance.

He was also the 'Dogs interim coach in 2023 when he led the team to a 37-10 win over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl.

He worked under Jeff Tedford as the Bulldogs' assistant head coach from 2022-23, where he helped Fresno State become the first program in FBS history to start 1-4 and finish with 10 wins.

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

From 2006-11, he worked as Fresno State's running backs and linebackers coach, serving one year as interim defensive coordinator. He also spent time coaching at Central Michigan, Florida and Sacramento State.

A 4-year starting linebacker at FS from 1997-200, Skipper finished his career with 418 tackles, 2nd most in program history.

Skipper will be formally introduced on Monday at 10:30 a.m. inside the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center.

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