Jeff Tedford

Jeff Tedford is an American football coach and former professional quarterback, best known for his transformative tenure as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football program. He is widely credited with revitalizing the California Golden Bears football team, leading them to multiple bowl game appearances and a national ranking. His coaching career also includes successful stints in the Canadian Football League and as the head coach at Fresno State University.

Early life and playing career

Born in Lynwood, California, Tedford was a standout quarterback at Warren High School (Downey, California). He played collegiately at Fresno State University under coach Jim Sweeney, where he was a teammate of future NFL quarterback Kevin Sweeney. After his college career, Tedford played professionally in the Canadian Football League for several teams, including the Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He later had brief preseason stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League.

Coaching career

Tedford began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Fresno State University, in 1992. He later served as the offensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks under head coach Mike Bellotti, where he developed future NFL quarterbacks like Akili Smith and Joey Harrington. In 2002, he was hired as the head coach of the California Golden Bears, taking over a program that had posted a 1–10 record the previous season. Tedford engineered a dramatic turnaround, leading the team to a winning record and a berth in the 2002 Seattle Bowl in his first year. His tenure at University of California, Berkeley was marked by high-powered offenses, the development of star players like Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch, and appearances in prestigious bowl games such as the Holiday Bowl and the Rose Bowl. After leaving Cal in 2012, he served as a consultant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and as head coach of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup in 2022. He returned to Fresno State University as head coach in 2023.

Head coaching record

Tedford's head coaching record includes his tenures at the University of California, Berkeley and Fresno State University. At Cal, he compiled an 82–57 record, making him the second-winningest coach in program history behind only Pappy Waldorf. His teams earned eight bowl game invitations, winning five, including the 2008 Emerald Bowl and the 2019 New Mexico Bowl during his first stint at Fresno State University. His overall collegiate head coaching record through the 2023 season stands above .600.

Personal life

Tedford and his wife, Donna, have two children. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors throughout his career, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley communities. Following health concerns in 2019, which led to a leave of absence from Fresno State University, he has been an advocate for heart health awareness.

Legacy and impact

Jeff Tedford's legacy is defined by his ability to rebuild struggling football programs, most notably the California Golden Bears football team, which he returned to national prominence during the 2000s. He is renowned as a "quarterback whisperer" for developing numerous NFL passers, including Aaron Rodgers, Trent Dilfer, and David Carr. His offensive schemes and coaching tree have influenced many in the profession, and his 2022 Grey Cup victory with the BC Lions cemented his reputation as a successful coach in both the collegiate and professional ranks. The Memorial Stadium renovation at the University of California, Berkeley was accelerated due to the financial success generated by his teams' performances.

Category:American football coaches Category:Fresno State Bulldogs football players Category:California Golden Bears football coaches