Cal Poly hires former UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th December, 14:27 2025

UCLA's interim head coach Tim Skipper celebrates after a Bruins touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Former UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper is the new head coach of the Cal Poly Mustangs.

The school in San Luis Obispo, Calif., announced the hiring of Skipper on Wednesday.

Skipper, 47, took over the Bruins this season when DeShaun Foster was fired after an 0-3 start.

UCLA went 3-6 under Skipper with victories against then-No. 7 Penn State, Michigan State and Maryland.

"Tim's experience and accomplishments in college football speak for themselves, and I am thrilled to welcome him as our new head football coach," athletic director Carter Henderson said. "I believe deeply that our student-athletes will benefit greatly from the culture he develops, his deep football knowledge and his infectious enthusiasm, and I look forward to partnering with him."

Skipper also served as interim head coach at Fresno State in 2024, finishing 6-7 with a loss in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

UCLA is expected to hire James Madison coach Bob Chesney as its new head coach.

--Field Level Media