Fresno State is hiring USC linebackers coach Matt Entz as its next head coach, according to ESPN sources

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — According to ESPN sources, Fresno State is working on a five-year deal with Matt Entz, USC’s associate head coach and linebackers coach, to be the program’s next head coach.

Entz, who was hired from USC last offseason as part of the Trojans’ defensive restructuring, was the head coach at North Dakota State from 2019-2023, where he went 60-10 and won two FCS national championships.

According to Bruce Feldman of the Athletic, Entz met with Fresno State administration on Tuesday. Sources reported that Action News sports anchor Alec Nolan Entz is “a leading candidate” alongside Montana State head coach Brent Vigen.

The two-time FCS Coach of the Year will replace Fresno State interim coach Tim Skipper. Skipper took over the position in July after Jeff Tedford announced his retirement due to health reasons.

Before taking the coaching position at NDSU, Entz was the program’s defensive coordinator under Chris Klieman. Entz was promoted to head coach in 2019 when Klieman took over as head coach at Kansas State.

Entz began his career at Illinois College in 1998 as a defensive coordinator. He then worked his way through the minor college ranks, making stops at Wayne State, Winona State, Northern Iowa and Western Illinois before landing at NDSU.

Entz’s move from the FCS to an assistant position at the FBS level last season was seen as a harbinger that he could potentially land a Division I head coaching job.

The Bulldogs won 29 games in Tedford’s three seasons there and went 6-6 under Skipper this year.

Fresno State is scheduled to join the new Pac-12 in 2026.

ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti contributed to this report.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.