If Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford can’t return, top candidate is already on staff | Opinion

After Fresno State announced head football coach Jeff Tedford was “stepping away” due to health concerns, it was only natural to presume the next step.

That Tedford’s absence from the Bulldogs’ sideline will become permanent — and not just from their upcoming bowl game.

I don’t believe athletic director Terry Tumey is making that assumption. Judging by the wording of Tumey’s statement, there must be hope Tedford will recover from what is ailing him well enough to resume his duties and responsibilities in somewhat short order.

But based on Tedford’s own history, both at Fresno State and the NFL, that is far from a sure thing.

Friday’s announcement came nearly four years to the day since Tedford stood at a podium and tearfully announced his own resignation. Due to the same types of health concerns (we presume) that are affecting him now.

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“I’ve been advised that the stresses and anxiety of this job do not match up with some of my cardiac issues,” he said on Dec. 6, 2019.

At that time, Fresno State had just concluded a disappointing 4-8 season with four straight losses to end the year.

At this one, the Bulldogs are a somewhat disappointing 8-4 based on the late-season results that followed an 8-1 start.

Yes, there’s some resemblance. And it’s interesting to ponder whether those late-season struggles caused Tedford’s heart problems to re-emerge, or whether his heart problems contributed to them.

In the end, however, that doesn’t matter a whole lot.

What matters most is Tedford’s health — I wish him a full and speedy recovery — as well as the health of the program.

To provide temporary stability, Tumey appointed assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper to lead Fresno State through its bowl game. (The Bulldogs could be headed anywhere from Albuquerque to Orlando — not much use guessing.)

Of greater significance is the uncertainty at the top during a key recruiting period that includes early signing day on Dec. 20 and the transfer portal.

Skipper deserves a shot

If Tedford’s absence does become permanent, Tumey needn’t look beyond the current staff for a replacement.

Skipper’s name belongs at or near the top of an extremely short list.

While message board experts will surely clamor for a bigger name or someone with a proven track record as head coach, Tumey would have to look under every boulder in Yosemite to find someone more prepared and deserving of an opportunity.

A Pat Hill-era middle linebacker who finished his career as the leading tackler in program history, Skipper is as Bulldog born and bred as it gets.

At a time when college football players transfer around seemingly at will, in search of opportunity and more NIL (name, image and likeness) cash, Fresno State can only succeed through its identity and authenticity. Two areas where Skipper shines.

Obviously, the best scenario would be for Tedford to fully recover and pick up the reins again sometime during the offseason. That’s what everyone with a pro-Bulldog bias should be hoping and praying for.

In Tedford’s five seasons as head coach, Fresno State has won two Mountain West championships and will soon make its fourth bowl appearance. At times, his coaching acumen and that of his staff feels yards ahead of the competition.

When Tedford returned to the Bulldogs following Kalen DeBoer’s departure, the 62-year-old coach said he believed his heart issues were behind him and that he felt “energized” by a recent procedure.

Obviously, something changed. And while Tedford did appear somewhat listless during recent games, at least compared to his usual demeanor, it’s impossible to know whether Fresno State’s listless play was a symptom or the result.

The only path forward is to hope Tedford gets healthy enough to resume coaching. While bracing for the eventuality that he doesn’t.