USC Linebackers Coach Matt Entz has been hired as Fresno State’s next head football coach.
Entz is reportedly signing a five-year contract to take over the program. The university announced the hiring Wednesday evening.
The big picture: Fresno State’s decision to hire Entz means Interim Head Coach Tim Skipper will not get his dream job and stay on as the permanent coach to succeed Jeff Tedford.
- Entz brings a championship pedigree with him to the Central Valley. He coached North Dakota State from 2019 to 2023, where he won two FCS National Championships and compiled a career record of 60-11, including 15-3 in the NCAA Playoffs.
- He spent the last year at USC as Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach, a move to help prepare him to take on a head coach position at a higher level program such as Fresno State.
Go deeper: Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Entz launched his coaching career at Illinois College in 1998, moving to Wayne State for the following three years before settling at Winona State from 2002-2009.
- In 2010, Entz was hired to coach the defensive line at Northern Iowa and promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012. He moved to Western Illinois the following year before taking over the defense at North Dakota State in 2014.
- Entz was promoted to head coach at North Dakota State in 2019 and won National Championships in 2019 and 2021.
Moving on up: North Dakota State has a history of producing FBS level head coaches.
- Entz’s immediate successor at North Dakota State, Chris Klieman, was hired at Kansas State in 2019 and has led the Wildcats to a 47-28 record over six seasons.
- Craig Bohl coached North Dakota State from 2003 to 2013 before heading to Wyoming from 2014 to 2023. Bohl did not have quite the same success that Klieman is enjoying at Kansas State, going 61-60 over his decade at Wyoming.
- Entz’s hiring also draws parallels to Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, who won three NAIA Championships at Sioux Falls before eventually working his way up to lead Fresno State and Washington.
- Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti has led Indiana to an 11-win season this year, which followed five successful seasons as the head coach at James Madison. James Madison played in the FCS for Cignetti’s first three seasons before moving up to the Sun Belt Conference.
- Other notable coaches who have made the jump include Troy Taylor, who was hired by Stanford after four years at Sacramento State, and Deion Sanders, who took over Colorado after three years at Jackson State.
What they’re saying: Entz said in a statement that he is deeply honored to join the Fresno State family.
- “This University’s rich tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with my values and coaching philosophy,” Entz said. “My family and I are excited to become part of the vibrant Valley community and contribute to the University’s mission. I am committed to leading our student-athletes with integrity, resilience, diligence, and selflessness, striving for success in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Together, we will build upon the strong foundation in place and aim for new heights. Go ‘Dogs!”
- Athletic Director Garrett Klassy called Entz a proven winner with a championship pedigree.
- “He is a leader of people who values growth both on and off the field,” Klassy said. “Beyond his impressive football accomplishments, Matt and his family embody the core values of integrity, grit, hard work, and selflessness that define what it means to be a Bulldog. We are confident that they will make meaningful contributions to our University, city, and the entire Valley.”
- Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval added, “Matt Entz embodies the grit, resilience and excellence that define Fresno State and with his agricultural background, I know he will resonate with our community. His proven leadership and championship pedigree will inspire our Bulldogs to compete with heart and determination, reflecting the spirit of our Valley and the Red Wave. We are excited to welcome Coach Entz to the Bulldog family and can’t wait to see him lead our team to new heights.”
Photo: Tim Sanger, NDSU
