Tim Skipper (American football)

Last updated

Tim Skipper
Fresno State Bulldogs interim head coach Tim Skipper.jpg
Skipper in 2024
Current position
TitleSpecial assistant to the head coach
Team UCLA
Conference Big Ten
Biographical details
Born (1978-04-15) April 15, 1978 (age 47)
Playing career
1997–2000 Fresno State
Position(s) Middle linebacker
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2001 Western New Mexico (DB)
2002Western New Mexico (DC/DB)
2003 Sacramento State (DB)
2004–2005Sacramento State (DC/DB)
2006–2008 Fresno State (RB)
2009–2011Fresno State (LB/RGC)
2011Fresno State (interim DC)
2012–2013 Colorado State (LB)
2013–2014Colorado State (AHC/LB)
2015–2016 Florida (RB)
2017–2018Florida (LB)
2018–2019 UNLV (DC/LB)
2020 Central Michigan (LB)
2021Central Michigan (AHC/LB)
2022–2023Fresno State (AHC/LB)
2023Fresno State (acting HC)
2024Fresno State (interim HC)
2025–present UCLA (Special assistant to the head coach)
Head coaching record
Overall7–7
Bowls1–1
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
First-team All-WAC (1997)
2× second-team All-WAC (1999, 2000)

Tim Skipper (born April 15, 1978) is an American football coach and former player who is currently serving as the special assistant to the head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Skipper served the interim head football coach at California State University, Fresno for the bowl game in 2023 and the entire 2024 season. He was the assistant head coach and linebackers coach at Fresno State from 2022 to 2023. Skipper played college football at Fresno State as a middle linebacker from 1997 to 2000.

Contents

Playing career

College

Skipper played as a middle linebacker at Fresno State from 1997 to 2000. During his time there, he was a two-year defensive captain and three-time All-WAC selection, he ranks second in school history with 418 career tackles, including 117 in his first campaign, when he earned freshman All-America recognition.

Coaching career

Western New Mexico

In 2001, Skipper was hired as the defensive backs coach at Western New Mexico University. In 2002, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Sacramento State

In 2003, Skipper joined California State University, Sacramento as their defensive backs coach under head coach Steve Mooshagian. In 2004, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Fresno State

In 2006, Skipper was hired as the running backs coach at California State University, Fresno under head coach Pat Hill. In 2009, he was promoted to linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. In 2011, Skipper served as the interim defensive coordinator.

Colorado State

On January 5, 2012, Skipper joined Colorado State University as their linebackers coach under head coach Jim McElwain. [1] In 2013, he was promoted to assistant head coach.

Florida

In 2015, Skipper was hired as the running backs coach at the University of Florida, following head coach Jim McElwain. In 2017, he was promoted to linebackers coach.

UNLV

In 2018, Skipper was hired as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) under head coach Tony Sanchez.

Central Michigan

In 2020, Skipper joined Central Michigan University as their linebackers coach, reuniting with head coach Jim McElwain. In 2021, he was promoted to assistant head coach.

Fresno State (second stint)

In 2022, Skipper was hired as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach at California State University, Fresno under head coach Jeff Tedford. In 2023, he served as acting head coach. [2]

On July 15, 2024, Skipper was named interim head coach, following the departure of Jeff Tedford. [3]

UCLA

In July 2025, Skipper was hired as an assistant coach at UCLA. [4]

Personal life

Skipper is the brother of Kelly Skipper, who is currently serving as the running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills, and son of Jim Skipper, longtime NFL assistant.

Head coaching record

College

YearTeamOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Fresno State Bulldogs (Mountain West Conference)(2023–2024)
2023 Fresno State 1–0W New Mexico [a]
2024 Fresno State 6–74–34thL Famous Idaho Potato
Fresno State:7–74–3
Total:7–7
  1. Skipper served as acting head coach due to Jeff Tedford's health concerns.

References

  1. Gilbert, Zak (January 5, 2012). "CSU names Skipper assistant football coach". Colorado State Rams Athletics . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  2. Moore, Jackson (December 7, 2023). "Acting Fresno State coach Tim Skipper updates Tedford situation, bowl prep". 247sports.com. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  3. "Tedford steps down as head coach, Skipper to serve as interim". Fresno State Bulldogs Athletics. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  4. https://www.si.com/college/ucla/bruins-football-tim-skipper-deshaun-foster-fresno-state