FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Jeff Tedford will be heading back to Fresno, to lead the program he used to play for.
The former Cal coach was a Bulldog quarterback in the early 80’s under coach Jim Sweeney. He also coached at Fresno State for several seasons as a quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator under Sweeney and Pat Hill.
He will assume his duties at the end of the season, while interim coach Eric Kiesau – who worked under Tedford at Cal – will coach the final two games.
Tedford led the Golden Bears from 2002-2012, where he went 82-57 overall and 5-3 in bowl games. He was Cal’s all-time winningest head coach. This season, he’s been a consultant for Washington under Chris Petersen – Boise State’s former coach.
Fresno State will formally introduce Tedford on Friday at 12:30pm at the Save Mart Center.
(Photo: Fresno State Athletics)
Here’s what Fresno State has to say about the hiring:
Fresno State football coach, Jeff Tedford – “I can’t think of a better place to lead a group of young men onto the football field. Coming to Fresno State is coming home for myself and my family. To have this special opportunity to return to my coaching roots is truly a dream come true. Our mission will be to grow and develop young people to reach their full potential in all areas … academically, athletically, socially and spiritually … to complete at high levels in the classroom and on the field while doing so with great character and high integrity. I look forward to reconnecting with all the past players and supporters to help bring the program back to prominence.”
Fresno State Athletic Director, Jim Bartko – “Jeff possesses all the qualities we were looking for in a head coach. First and foremost, integrity, plus a great football mind and the ability to come in and hit the ground running. When you have the opportunity to hire someone who knows this Valley and is Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred, there is not a better choice. I have faith that Jeff is just the ticket to bring back the winning tradition of Fresno State football. He will also be at the forefront of ushering in a new era with our Bulldog Stadium modernization project. I look forward to his leadership, on and off the field.”
Fresno State President, Joseph I. Castro – “I am pleased to welcome Coach Tedford — a very special former Bulldog — back home to join our exceptional campus team. Academics and athletics will continue to rise together and our best days for Bulldog football, and for Fresno State, lie ahead.”
Washington Football Coach, Chris Petersen – “Jeff Tedford is a terrific coach and has been great for us and our staff. There’s no doubt he’ll get Fresno State back to playing at a high level.”
Aaron Rogers, Green Bay Packers Quarterback – “Coach Tedford is one of the finest minds that I have ever been around. I felt that right away when I got to Cal, and I was very fortunate to be able to spend two years working together. The first time I met him was when he came and visited my junior college and he was recruiting myself and our tight end, Garrett Cross. I just remember being excited that someone was looking at me, and once I got down to Cal, I really learned a lot about the quarterback position. Coach put me in a great position to play my best ball there and then to move on and have an opportunity in the NFL.”
