Oct 14, 2016; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Tim DeRuyter congratulates linebacker Josh Hokit (33) after the Bulldogs stopped the San Diego State Aztecs on fourth down in the first quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Fresno State fired coach Tim DeRuyter on Sunday, one day after the Bulldogs’ losing streak reached six games.
DeRuyter went 30-30 in 4 1/2 seasons with Fresno State, but the Bulldogs are just 4-16 since the start of the 2015 campaign.
Fresno State went 20-6 in DeRuyter’s first two seasons as the program thrived under current NFL quarterback Derek Carr. He received a five-year contract extension following the 2013 campaign that runs for 2 1/2 more seasons.
The school didn’t immediately announce an interim coach but did schedule a press conference for Sunday.
Former California coach Jeff Tedford is considered to be the leading candidate to replace DeRuyter. Tedford is a former Fresno State quarterback and offensive coordinator.
Another possible target is Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who also was a quarterback and assistant coach at Fresno State. Kiffin has been a college head coach at Tennessee and USC and also served as coach of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.
Another Alabama assistant coach, Steve Sarkisian, could be in the mix. Sarkisian is a former head coach at Washington and USC and is looking for another opportunity after his drinking issues helped lead to his exit at USC.
