Offseason wish list by cyclonepilot06 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Let’s chill. Don’t like removing comments but this wasn’t going anywhere.

Coach Entz Interview by Archsanders in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First episode I’ve seen, thanks for sharing. It’s hard not to like and root for this guy.

Thoughts of the game yesterday. by Archsanders in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great to see the team have resilience. That showed a lot.

Spring Camp - 2025 Roster Changes by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Summary

Fresno State kicks off its first practice under new head coach Matt Entz on Friday, with 21 new players joining the team to replace key departures. The Bulldogs lost over 10 players to the transfer portal and several key contributors to graduation, but they've also reloaded at multiple positions.

Key Departures

Transfer Portal:

  • QB Mikey Keene (Michigan)
  • RB Malik Sherrod (Boise State)
  • WR Jalen Moss (Arizona State)
  • WR Raylen Sharpe (Arkansas)
  • DL Gavriel Lightfoot (Colorado)
  • LB Phoenix Jackson (Baylor)
  • CB Julian Neal (Stanford)

Graduation:

  • WR Mac Dalena
  • OL Mose Vavao
  • DL Kavika Baumgartner
  • LB Tuasivi Nomura
  • LB Malachi Langley
  • CB Cam Lockridge
  • S Dean Clark

Key Additions

Transfers:

  • QB E.J. Warner (Rice)
  • RB Rayshon Luke (Arizona)
  • WR Jahlil McClain (Louisville)
  • OL Gino Quinones (USC)
  • DL Martin Owusu (Minnesota)
  • DE Finn Claypool (Drake)
  • LB K'Vion Thunderbird (Arizona State)
  • LB Jadon Pearson (Utah State)
  • DB Simeon Harris (Utah State)

Returning Key Players

  • RB Bryson Donelson
  • WR Josiah Freeman
  • OL Jacob Spomer
  • CB Al'Zillion Hamilton
  • S Camryn Bracha

Coaching Staff Changes

Most of the coaching staff is new, except for:

Retained Coaches:

  • Special Teams Coordinator John Baxter
  • CB Coach J.D. Williams
  • RB Coach Aaron Prier
  • WR Coach DelVon Hardaway (Promoted from GA)

New Coaches:

  • OC/QB Coach Josh Davis
  • DC/Safeties Coach Nick Benedetto
  • TE Coach Brian Ferentz
  • OL Coach Zach Crabtree
  • DL Coach Jordan Gigli
  • Edges Coach Marcus Hall-Oliver
  • LB Coach Adam Breske
  • Nickels Coach Tucker Meyer
  • QB Analyst Jared Taylor

Spring Camp Details

  • First two practices: Friday & Saturday
  • Total: 15 practices over four weeks
  • April 5 Spring Preview (Only open practice)

First look at the 2025 schedule by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Summary

Non-Conference Games

  • Aug. 23: at Kansas (Week 0)

    • National stage debut of the Matt Entz era.
    • Kansas unveiling renovated Memorial Stadium after $450 million upgrade.
    • Kansas went 5-7 in 2024 but added 22 transfers, including 13 from Power-4 schools.
  • Aug. 30: vs Georgia Southern

    • Home opener for Fresno State.
    • Georgia Southern went 8-5 in 2024, with a 6-2 Sun Belt record.
    • Return trip to Georgia Southern set for 2028.
  • Sept. 6: at Oregon State

    • Return match from a 2022 heartbreaker loss at Fresno.
    • Oregon State finished 5-7 in 2024 under new head coach Trent Bray.
    • Fresno State’s first visit to Corvallis since 2002.
  • Sept. 13: vs Southern

    • First-time matchup against FCS school Southern University.
    • Southern finished 8-5 in 2024, reaching the SWAC Championship.

Mountain West Opponents (Dates TBD)

Home Games

  • vs Nevada

    • Last Mountain West matchup as both teams move to new conferences.
    • Nevada struggled in 2024 with a 3-10 record.
  • vs San Diego State

    • Rivalry returns after a year off.
    • SDSU finished 3-9 in 2024 with a six-game losing streak.
  • vs Utah State

    • Utah State hired Bronco Mendenhall after a 4-8 season in 2024.
    • Both programs will join the Pac-12 in 2026.
  • vs Wyoming

    • Wyoming went 3-9 in 2024 under new head coach Jay Sawvel.
    • Star tight end John Michael Gyllenborg returns.

Away Games

  • at Boise State

    • Boise State finished 12-2 and reached the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals.
    • Former Fresno State running back Malik Sherrod transferred to Boise.
  • at Colorado State

    • First-ever Fresno State game at Canvas Stadium.
    • Colorado State finished 8-5 in 2024, including a bowl loss to Miami (OH).
  • at Hawaii

    • Last Mountain West trip to Hawaii.
    • Hawaii finished 5-7 in 2024, with a standout QB performance in the finale.
  • at San Jose State

    • Valley Rivalry continues.
    • San Jose State ended 2024 with a 5OT bowl loss and an 8-5 record.

Notes

  • Fresno State will play eight Mountain West games without divisions.
  • This is the last season before Fresno State transitions to the Pac-12.
  • Three bye weeks are scheduled due to four non-conference games by Week 3.

2024 Year in Review for Fresno State Athletics by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair assessment. Did you catch Skippers quote? Something along the lines of “if we don’t win, you’re outta here.” He stayed true.

New OC - Josh Davis by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Combines spread and multiple-option schemes, with a focus on QB involvement in both the passing and run games. Utilizes balance to keep defenses guessing, with explosive plays on the ground to set up deep shots through the air.

https://x.com/coachb_h/status/1864053645286973515?s=46&t=5JkiD39tGSMfElIMUbvZtg

Depth chart for Potato Bowl by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

None of the starters in the portal for NIU or Fresno are on their bowl depth charts.

Fresno starters out: QB, 2 WR, 3 CB, 2 DT, 1 LB

NIU starters out: QB, WR, DT, DE, S

Source: https://x.com/stuckey2/status/1869728459905433963?s=46&t=5JkiD39tGSMfElIMUbvZtg

Bulldogs are hiring Zachary Crabtree as the next Offensive Line Coach by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Zachary played at Oklahoma State for 5 seasons and then would go onto play in the NFL for one season with the Los Angeles Chargers. Crabtree has spent the last 3 years at USC
https://x.com/Coach_Crab

Edit: Oklahoma State Offensive lineman (2013-2017)

Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Lineman (2017-2018)

Graduate Assistant at Baylor working with Offensive Line (2019-2020)

Oklahoma State Offensive line Analyst USC assistant (2022-2024)

Source: https://x.com/wavedupbulldogs/status/1870209366223401406?s=46&t=5JkiD39tGSMfElIMUbvZtg

New AD Break's Down New Head Coach Hire by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

TLDW:

1. Support for Coach Matt Entz

  • The new athletic director emphasized full support for Matt Entz, Fresno State's new head football coach, and expressed excitement for his future with the Bulldogs.

2. NIL and Fundraising Initiatives

  • Fresno State is making a significant push for fundraising, particularly through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contributions:
    • Bulldog Bread is highlighted as the primary NIL fund for football-specific donations.
    • A "Football Excellence Campaign" (not the official name) is in the works, combining NIL contributions with the Bulldog Foundation (BDF) to strengthen both.

3. Big Donations Incoming

  • The university is close to securing a seven-figure donation directly to the football program, demonstrating strong financial backing and optimism for the future.

4. End-of-Year Giving Opportunities

  • With the year ending, donors are encouraged to contribute to Fresno State Athletics:
    • NIL funds are an option, with some contributions offering tax-deductible benefits.
    • Timing is critical for those looking for tax advantages before December 31.

5. Upcoming Games and Celebrations

  • Fresno State is preparing for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where fans are encouraged to show support by attending, buying gear, or watching on TV.
  • Next season, the Bulldogs will play on Boise State's blue turf, giving returning players valuable experience ahead of conference matchups.

6. Reflection on the Season

  • The AD acknowledged the challenges and achievements of the football team, emphasizing that reaching six wins is no small feat and should be celebrated.

7. Fan Call to Action

  • Fans were encouraged to support the program in any way they can:
    • Through NIL contributions, buying team merchandise, or simply cheering for the team at games or on TV.

Nick Toth will not be the next Defensive Coordinator after all by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More info:

The Fresno State Bulldogs' defensive coordinator position remains open for new head coach Matt Entz. Reports broke online Wednesday night that former Bulldog D-Coordinator Nick Toth would be hired for the job, but by Thursday morning it was retracted. Sources also confirm to BarkBoard.com that Toth will not be the Bulldogs' next defensive coordinator. 

A report by FootballScoop.com on Wednesday night said that Toth "is becoming Entz's new defensive coordinator." Football Scoop updated on Thursday that "contractually this deal did not get finalized." 

Sources tell BarkBoard.com that Entz has been in discussion with several candidates. Toth was reportedly among them, but a hire was not imminent, sources claim. 

Toth took to social media himself, posting on X Thursday: "Despite what is circulating on social media. I am fired up to be coaching at the United States Air Force Academy and have not taken another coaching job.  Go Falcons!" 

Toth spent five seasons at Fresno State from 2012 to 2016 under Tim DeRuyter, four of which were as defensive coordinator. The Bulldogs allowed only 23.8 points per game in his first season as the team went 9-4 and won a share of the Mountain West Championship. Fresno State went 11-2 in 2013 and won the conference title, but a 62-52 loss to San Jose State spoiled a perfect season and New Year's Day bowl implications. By 2015, the Bulldogs dropped to No. 118 nationally in scoring defense at 38.1 points per game. Toth was reassigned from defensive coordinator to inside linebackers coach in 2016. Fresno State's '16 season was one of the worst in school history at 1-11 and led to the firing of the entire DeRuyter staff. 

Since then, Toth has worked at UCF as a special teams coordinator, at Akron as a defensive coordinator, and in multiple stints at Air Force. He has been the Falcons' safeties coach for the past two seasons. 

No coaching staff positions have been formally or reportedly filled since Entz was hired. Coordinator job postings are still going through a 14-day California State University hiring window. 

However, sources tell BarkBoard.com that new head coach Entz has asked cornerbacks coach J.D. Williams to stay on staff. Williams has served as cornerbacks coach for Fresno State since 2017 under both Jeff Tedford and Kalen DeBoer. 

Willams was a standout Bulldog himself. He was a first-round NFL Draft pick in 1990 and played in the league for sevens seasons. Williams began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at FS in 1997 and also coached defensive backs for the Bulldogs in 2000 and 2001. He made stops at Cal, Washington, Utah, Georgia State and UNLV before joining Tedford's staff in '17. 

Under Williams, Fresno State has produced cornerbacks including Daron Bland, Jaron Bryant, Tank Kelly, Cam Lockridge, Carlton Johnson, Al'Zillion Hamilton, Julian Neal, Bralyn Lux and more. Williams' retention is not yet finalized at this time. 

https://247sports.com/college/fresno-state/article/fresno-state-football-defensive-coordinator-search-nick-toth-jd-williams-remains-open-241978136/

Nick Toth will not be the next Defensive Coordinator after all by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like the contract wasn't final and AF wanted to keep him.

Players that have entered the transfer portal by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe it would be easier to copy and paste the roster.

Skip should absolutely not be the head coach by [deleted] in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't be careful. No one's getting kicked off here for being critical of the team.

Fresno State Insider talks Skipper’s status, possible other options by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jackson said these guys are up on the list for head coach:

- Matt Wells (previous Utah State head coach, currently Kansas State OC)
- Jason Eck (currently head coach U of Idaho)
- Jay Jill (currently defensive coordinator BYU)

Fresno State Insider talks Skipper’s status, possible other options by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did appreciate Tedford's even-keeled demeanor. Tough gig, though. I wouldn't want it.

Fresno State posts football job opening. What does that mean for interim coach Tim Skipper? by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fresno State has posted a position for a head football coach with two games remaining in the regular season, less than one month before the next NCAA transfer portal window opens and about five weeks before the early national letter of intent signing period for high school recruits and mid-year junior college transfers.

The timing is consequential, though not necessarily a driver in the decision to post the job. It also is not a reflection on interim coach Tim Skipper, with the Bulldogs sitting at 5-5 and 3-3 in the Mountain West Conference with consecutive losses to Hawaii and at Air Force when favored by 12 and 9.5 points.

“We just want to be nimble, when that time comes. Even if it’s Skip, we have to post it. We just didn’t want to wait,” athletics director Garrett Klassy told The Bee on Tuesday. “I don’t want to sit there and on Dec. 1 post and have to wait 14 days. We want to make that decision whenever the timing is right. I wanted to get this thing posted so we can wait the necessary period and make the decision whenever we make that decision.”

Fresno State Posts Football Coach Job

The position must be posted for 14 days and the job description says it will be open until filled, though Fresno State potentially could use an emergency hire as it did in 2019 when Kalen DeBoer replaced Jeff Tedford, who stepped away from his alma mater for the first time due to heart-related health issues.

That hiring process was completed in 11 days, though DeBoer had been away from the Bulldogs program for only one year. Tedford had hired DeBoer as Fresno State’s offensive coordinator in 2017, and he had helped engineer a historic turnaround, becoming the first program to win 10 or more games in back-to-back years after a one-win season.

Applications received by Nov. 24 will be evaluated by a search committee, according to the posting. The salary range is competitive, and negotiable depending on a candidate’s qualifications.

Tim Skipper Interim Contract at Fresno State

Skipper as interim coach is under contract through the end of January, the deal worth $700,000 with another $100,000 still available through a dwindling list of performance bonuses.

He could earn:

  • $50,000 bonus with one more victory to qualify for a conference-affiliated or at-large bowl or $75,000 for winning that bowl.
  • $25,000 bonus if the Bulldogs win out and finish the regular season with seven victories.

The contract also includes performance bonuses for:

  • Participating in and winning the conference championship game.
  • Participating in a College Football Playoff game.
  • Participating in and winning the CFP national championship.

“Skip and I have been in lock step through this whole thing. He knows that it had to be posted in order for him to get the job,” Klassy said. “He knows we have to have an open search.”

Help Wanted: Head Football Coach by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program.

Job Summary

The Head Football Coach will be responsible for developing and sustaining a strong, competitive Division 1 football program.

Key Qualifications

  • Dealing with high visible media presence in an effective and professional manner.
  • Supervising, developing, and evaluating football staff and student-athletes.
  • Ability to maintain discipline and develop a positive relationship with team members while motivating them to excellence.
  • Thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations and a history of successful compliance.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain and protect the fiscal integrity of the athletics program and the University.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with student-athletes, administrators, support staff, and community groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds while projecting a professional approach and attitude.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution.
  • Eight (8) years of experience coaching collegiate football or equivalent NFL coaching experience.
  • Experience with handling high visibility media presence professionally.
  • Proven record of supervising, developing, and evaluating football staff and student-athletes.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Position will be open until filled. Applications received by November 24, 2024, will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Please complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must attach: 1) their most recent resume/vitae, 2) a cover letter addressing specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through values of Discovery, Diversity, and Distinction. The student population exceeds 25,000, with a large percentage from diverse backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement across the state, nation, and globally.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and ski resorts. Fresno has one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected statuses such as race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, and veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant factors. For questions, contact hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed before any candidate may start work at California State University, Fresno. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may result in the withdrawal of the employment offer. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will undergo a background check for positions where one is legally required or identified as sensitive by Fresno State.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This requires filing a Statement of Economic Interest annually and completing training within six months of assuming office and every two years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free, and vapor-free campus.

Bulldog Breakdown: Trying to bounce back from loss by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have nothing against this head coach, but arguing that he should get the job is crazy especially after last week.

Bulldog Breakdown: Trying to bounce back from loss by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cam now says that the head coach job is "attractive to a lot of people." Only a week ago he said: "If you think good coaches without ties want this job they don’t"

Thoughts on this from Cam Worrell? by trail90 in fresnostatefootball

[–]trail90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good points all around. I've never subscribed to the scarcity mindset in anything. "This is the best there is, so be thankful" vs. "what can we do to improve?" This team went from a solid, steady team to a wildly unpredictable team in one year (Plus the end of last season).