Jeff Tedford, an NCAA Division I head coach with more than 200 games on the sidelines, is stepping down, effectively immediately, from his post atop the Fresno State Bulldogs due to health concerns, the school has announced.
"It is with sad emotions that following my recent medical check-up, it is clear 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 program," Tedford said Monday afternoon in a statement released by the school.
Five years ago, Tedford had a heart condition that caused him to press pause on his collegiate coaching career, a run that saw him take Fresno State and Cal to national notoriety and then return to Fresno State for an additional stint at the helm.
This past December, Tedford again found it necessary to step away from the program due to health concerns.
Tedford owns 126 wins as a collegiate head coach and exits as one of the sport's more consistently successful postseason coaches, winning eight of 11 bowl games.
Tim Skipper, a top assistant coach who was elevated to the interim role last December for the Bulldogs' bowl game, will continue through the 2024 season as the program's head coach.
A former Fresno State player who's had a long coaching run with his alma mater, Skipper praised Tedford as a "living legend" in the school's statement.
"Coach Tedford is a living legend," said Skipper, already the team's assistant head coach and linebackers coach. " 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. I am looking forward to leading Bulldog football next season, and to continue the pride and tradition here at Fresno State to make the Red Wave proud."
Fresno State, which won 19 games the past two seasons after Tedford returned, including a 10-win campaign in 2022, has been slated to open its 2024 season against defending national champion Michigan in the Big House.
The Bulldogs also have contests against Washington State and to end the season at UCLA, in addition to their Mountain West Conference slate.