Tim Skipper was named interim head coach of the UCLA Bruins football program on September 14, 2025, following the dismissal of the previous head coach after an 0-3 start. This appointment marks his 25th season in the collegiate coaching ranks. Skipper’s coaching journey is anchored by strong defensive credentials and leadership under pressure. He previously served as interim head coach at his alma mater, the Fresno State Bulldogs, guiding them to a 6-7 record in 2024 and acting head coach in the 2023 New Mexico Bowl, which Fresno State won.
A standout player himself from 1997-2000 at Fresno State, he was a two-year captain, three-time All-WAC selection and still ranks second in school history with 418 career tackles. Over the years he has held defensive coordinator roles at UNLV (2018-19), assistant head coach positions at Central Michigan and Fresno State, and positional coaching at Florida, Colorado State and other programs. Now at UCLA, his immediate focus is restoring culture, energy, and resilience to the program as it navigates a rough start and high expectations in the Big Ten.
