UCLA’s Tim Skipper Set to Lead FCS Program as Interim Coach
Tim Skipper, formerly with UCLA, has been appointed head coach of the Cal Poly Mustangs football team at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. This announcement was made public by ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel on Wednesday.
Skipper’s Coaching Journey
Skipper’s new role comes after a notable interim coaching stint at UCLA. He successfully helped the Bruins recover from a difficult start, leading the team to victories over prominent programs like Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland.
Prior to UCLA, Skipper served as interim head coach for Fresno State, guiding the team to a bowl game in the previous season. His leadership at both UCLA and Fresno State solidified his reputation in college football.
Cal Poly Football History
Cal Poly Mustangs football has a rich history, transitioning to Division I in 1994. The program is also recognized as the alma mater of NFL legend John Madden, who has a football facility named after him on campus.
Previous Coaching Changes
- In 2019, Skipper expressed interest in Cal Poly’s head coach vacancy when Tim Walsh retired.
- Beau Baldwin was eventually hired, having previous success at Eastern Washington.
- However, Baldwin’s tenure was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting his seasons.
Cal Poly later appointed Paul Wulff as head coach, who also had connections with Eastern Washington. Unfortunately, Wulff was let go after three seasons.
Looking Ahead
With Skipper now leading the Mustangs, the 805 region of California will witness a new chapter in its football program. His five-year contract signals the institution’s commitment to rebuilding and improving team performance.
As Skipper steps into this significant role, fans and players alike look forward to the future of Cal Poly football under his guidance.
